Search
Licenses settle wireless tech suit

Licenses settle wireless tech suit

An infringement dispute over wireless technologies between Wi-LAN and Research in Motion (RIM) has ended with the parties striking a license deal. The firms announced their agreement on 11 August in a statement, which said: 'RIM has obtained a license to certain patents of Wi-LAN in the area of wireless technology and the litigation between the two companies will be dismissed. The specific terms of the agreement are confidential.'

The deal – which will be a relief to both firms – enhances Wi-LAN's reputation as a prolific licensor. With a series of recent license partners under its belt, it has used the occasion of the RIM agreement, plus credibility built up from other deals, to raise its 2008 financial expectations. In the two most recent fiscal quarters, Wi-LAN has opened up IP partnerships with 22 different firms, including Xirrus Inc and AOpen Inc. That brings its running total of wireless technology partners to 34. Its performance for the financial year is now estimated to top $25 million, whereas previous figures put it at $15-$20 million.

Founded in 1992, Wi-LAN has grown into a leading technology and licensing firm. Its patent portfolio encompasses a diverse range of consumer electronics and communications products, many of which rely on major Wi-LAN developments such as CDMA, DOCSIS, DSL, GSM/EDGE, V-chip, Wi-Fi and WiMAX. With over 300 patents in either granted or pending states, Wi-LAN has exchanged IP with over 120 different licensees.

The firm still has wireless technology litigation pending with LG Electronics and Motorola.

Add to RSS: add to rss

Add this page to:

User Comments

Post a comment