Napster Inc. of Los Angeles joined Apple Computer Inc. and Google Inc. in being named in a lawsuit filed by online movie distributor Intertainer Inc. for allegedly infringing a patent on a way to distribute digital entertainment over the Internet.

The lawsuit claims that Napster, Apple and Google are all using a patented technology without permission. Intertainer, a closely held Internet-based video-on-demand company in Culver City, filed the complaint Dec. 29 in federal court in Marshall, Texas.

Intertainer, claiming it has suffered irreparable harm, is seeking cash compensation and an order to prevent the companies from using its digital distribution and management technology. The company holds nine patents.

All three companies declined to comment. Intertainer has received financial backing from Microsoft Corp. and Intel Corp. but said neither company was involved in the suit.

Shares in Napster were up 9 cents to $3.72 in early trading Wednesday.