Slash LaneApple, Dell, Sony and five other technology companies were recently added to a lawsuit over Bluetooth patents, threatening the use of the wireless communication standard in millions of devices, Bloomberg is reporting.
The non-profit foundation, which originally sued Matsushita, Samsung, and Nokia in a Seattle federal court back in December, tacked on the PC manufacturers earlier this month. At the same time, Logitech, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, and Plantronics were also named to the suit.
WRF's complaint is said to specifically target products that contain chips made by CSR Plc., which is reported to be using the Bluetooth technology without permission. Chipmakers such as Broadcom, which hold licenses from the foundation, will not be named in the suit, Bloomberg said.
In a statement released January, Cambridge, England-based CSR said the suit was without merit and vowed to defend its products rigorously.
Both Apple and Dell built Bluetooth into their personal computer systems several years ago as a way to link wireless devices and cut the chord on peripherals through Bluetooth wireless keyboards and mice. Meanwhile, Bloomberg cites the Washington-based Bluetooth Special Interest Group, which says more than 1 billion devices worldwide are equipped with Bluetooth technology.
With its suit, WRF is reportedly seeking monetary damages and a court order barring the sale of products that use its patented technology. CSR in January countersued the foundation, court papers show.
Wesley Hilliard
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Charles Martin
Mike Wuerthele
25 Comments
I don't understand how they can sue companies that use CSR chips in their products. How can the consumers (Dell, Apple, et. al in this case) be culpable for decisions and actions made at a supplier (CSR) ?
It's just bizarre ! It's like being prosecuted for buying stolen goods when you bought them in good faith and didn't know that they were stolen.
Yeah, NPO my ass. Also, I would seriously doubt that the judge in the case would ever require the discontinuation of use for all the bluetooth devices made by these companies. There would be A LOT of unhappy people around the world.
I hope WRF gets sued out of existence. They're obviously out for a lot of money that they couldn't get from legitimately licensing their patents. These latter suits should be thrown out. It's effectively doubling the legal action first for the chips that are made then when they're used. Pick one or the other, but not both. Damn lawyers at work again. Just more billable hours for them.
BTW, it's "cut the cord," not "cut the chord." I don't think I've ever heard of "chordless" devices.
Patent law is from the devil.
I'm confused, what is WFR's relationship with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group who licenses the technology? Shouldn't *they* be the ones suing?