Local.com, the Irvine, CA-based local search firm, has got a patent approval for a “method of responding to enhanced directory assistance inquiries using various protocols including voice-enabled and SMS systems. The patent also covers an associated referral advertising model, which is designed to monetize those local searches.” This follows another related patent the company announced last week, for location-based search.
The new patent seems to be in direct conflict with an existing patent, one from Jingle Networks, says ClickZ. This means litigation and consolidation in the industry.
Greg Sterling: There’s the looming Geomas local patent that has both online and mobile implications. There’s also a lesser-known local search patent that Microsoft owns through its acquisition of Vicinity Corp. in 2002.
More details in release.

• Mobile Local Search Space Crowds, Online Local.com Destination Goes Wireless & Ad-Funded