Yahoo sues Facebook over patents as the social network says it is disappointed by its 'long term partner'

Yahoo is suing Facebook over patents, just weeks before the social-networking heavyweight is due to cash in with its initial public offering of stock.

Yahoo Inc. said in a court filing on Monday that Facebook has infringed 10 of its patents covering advertising, privacy controls and social networking.

Yahoo had threatened to sue Facebook last month, insisting that the social network license its patents.

Facebook vowed to defend itself vigorously against what it called 'puzzling actions' by Yahoo.

'We're disappointed that Yahoo, a longtime business partner of Facebook and a company that has substantially benefited from its association with Facebook, has decided to resort to litigation,' Facebook said in a statement. Read More