Wi-LAN Escalates Patent Enforcement Program
Staff
Electronics CELCALGARY - Wi-LAN Inc. has commenced legal action against Cisco Systems Inc., for producing and marketing IEEE standard 802.11a and 802.11g devices without a license from Wi-LAN. Wi-LAN is seeking compensation for use of its intellectual property, as well as punitive damages.
Following the settlement of the Redline Communications lawsuit and Wi-LAN’s recent purchase of 17 patents and patent applications that relate to the implementation of Wi-MAX products, the Cisco action shows Wi-LAN is escalating its pursuit of licensing and protecting its intellectual property.
Cisco’s Linksys Division and Aironet product line use orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology and according to Wi-LAN, these devices infringe on Wi-LAN’s Canadian and U.S. patents. Wi-LAN currently has intellectual property licensing agreements with Philips Semiconductor, Fujitsu Microelectronics of America and Redline.
"This legal action against Cisco puts the industry on notice that Wi-LAN will aggressively protect its patent rights," said Sayed-Amr El Hamamsy, president and CEO of Wi-LAN. "Wi-LAN has consistently maintained that its patents are necessary for the implementation of the 2nd Generation WiFi Alliance standards, IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g, and the WiMAX Forum standards, IEEE 802.16 and the ETSI BRAN HiperMAN. It is our intent to collect, either directly or through component manufacturers, royalties from any company selling 802.11a, 802.11g or WiMAX certified equipment."
Wi-LAN will continue to vigorously pursue its legal remedies when it believes that its intellectual property has been infringed upon, the company said.
