By: Nick Eaton: Microsoft reporter
Seattle Pi Blogs

The advertising agency Microsoft hired to promote Bing has been sued for patent infringement over a commercial for the search engine during NBC's "The Philanthropist," according to Advertising Age.

Denizen, a small ad company registered in Delaware, claims an advertising concept in which a commercial serves to advance the plot of the TV show during which it runs.

In its complaint, Denizen says company representatives met with London-based WPP and disclosed trade secrets regarding the patented advertising technique, agreeing to confidentiality. Among other charges, Denizen alleges JWT and WPP misappropriated trade secrets and broke their contract with Denizen.