Aruba Networks Sues Motorola Over Alleged Patent Infringements

Aruba Networks says that it has filed a patent infringement countersuit against Motorola, Symbol, and Wireless Valley. The countersuit concerns Motorola's (and its subsidiaries') claimed infringement of two Aruba patents related to managing wireless computer networks and network security.

The first asserted patent was assumed by Aruba in March 2008 as part of its acquisition of AirWave Wireless, while the second asserted patent was issued to Aruba in May 2008. Aruba is seeking a permanent injunction against use of its patented technologies, as well as monetary damages for infringing use.

"We asserted our patents following an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a license," said Keerti Melkote, Aruba's co-founder and chief technology officer. "We simply cannot stand by while Motorola, and its Symbol and Wireless Valley subsidiaries, continue to violate our intellectual property. We will defend our intellectual property in court and we fully expect to win in that forum, just as we have in the market."

Aruba's countersuit follows on the heels of a decision by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to reexamine all four patents that Motorola -- through its Symbol Technologies and Wireless Valley subsidiaries -- is asserting against Aruba in a lawsuit filed in the Federal district court in Delaware. The Patent Office has found that the prior art submitted by Aruba raises a substantial new question about the patentability of the claims of all four of Motorola's patents.

Posted to the site on 17th September 2008