Wi-LAN Inc. Files Lawsuits Against Tech Giants

Strategic Insights -

Wi-LAN Inc., a software company based in Ottawa, has filed two lawsuits against major tech companies, alleging infringement of key Wi-Fi and CDMA patents. The suits were filed in a U.S. District Court in Texas and name several prominent companies, including Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard. Wi-LAN alleges that these companies are using its patented technology without permission, including CDMA and HSPA, and Wi-Fi and LTE technology. This move is seen as a part of the ongoing corporate warfare over intellectual property in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wi-LAN Inc. has filed two lawsuits against major tech companies, including Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard, alleging infringement of key Wi-Fi and CDMA patents.
  • The suits were filed in a U.S. District Court in Texas and name several prominent companies, including Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc., HTC America, Inc., Kyocera International Inc., Kyocera Communications Inc., Novatel Wireless Inc., and Sierra Wireless America Inc.
  • Wi-LAN alleges that the companies are using its patented technology, including CDMA and HSPA, and Wi-Fi and LTE technology, without permission.
  • Wi-LAN Inc. specializes in managing a portfolio of patents and collecting license fees from equipment makers that use the technology in their products.
  • The company is also standing by its hostile takeover bid for rival patent licensing company Mosaid Technologies Inc., with a $480 million offer, or $38 per share, still on the table.
  • Mosaid has announced plans to manage 2,000 patents and patent applications originally filed by Nokia Oyj, but Wi-LAN Inc. maintains its bid for the company.

Statistics:

  • 2 lawsuits filed against major tech companies, including Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard.
  • 10 companies named in the lawsuits, including Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc., HTC America, Inc., Kyocera International Inc., Kyocera Communications Inc., Novatel Wireless Inc., and Sierra Wireless America Inc.
  • 480 million dollars, the value of Wi-LAN's offer to acquire Mosaid Technologies Inc.
  • 2,000 patents and patent applications to be managed by Mosaid, originally filed by Nokia Oyj.
  • $38 per share, the price of Wi-LAN's offer for Mosaid Technologies Inc.

Sources:

  • The Ottawa-based software company Wi-LAN Inc. filed two lawsuits against major tech companies.
  • The suits were filed in a U.S. District Court in Texas.
  • The named companies in the lawsuit are Apple Inc., Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., HTC America, Inc., Kyocera International Inc., Kyocera Communications Inc., Novatel Wireless Inc., and Sierra Wireless America Inc.
  • Wi-LAN Inc. specializes in managing a portfolio of patents and collecting license fees from equipment makers that use the technology in their products.
  • Wi-LAN Inc. is also standing by its hostile takeover bid for rival patent licensing company Mosaid Technologies Inc.
  • Mosaid has announced plans to manage 2,000 patents and patent applications originally filed by Nokia Oyj.
  • The Toronto Star, 2011, citing Wi-LAN Inc. and Mosaid Technologies Inc.