Business technical briefs for Sept. 18

Google acquires photo service

SAN FRANCISCO — Google has snapped up the digital photo editing service Snapseed as part of its effort to compete against Facebook's online social network. Snapseed is the centerpiece of Google's acquisition of Nik Software, which developed the service's photo-editing technology. The deal announced Monday gives Google a popular service that competes against Facebook's Instagram, whose tools are widely used to display, touch up and share photos taken on smartphones and tablet computers. Facebook bought Instagram for $715 million in a deal that closed last month. Google Inc. didn't disclose the terms of the Nik Software acquisition.

Judge delays court challenge

NEW YORK — A federal appeals judge agreed Monday to delay a court challenge to Google Inc.'s plans to create the world's largest digital library while an appeals panel considers whether authors should receive class status. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan issued its announcement after the matter was raised with Circuit Judge Raymond J. Lohier Jr. The case will be stalled while the court considers an appeal by Google. According to the order, both sides agreed to the stay of district court proceedings before Circuit Judge Denny Chin, who began hearing the case seven years ago before he was elevated to the 2nd Circuit.