The battle between wireless enterprise hardware companies Intermec Technologies Corp. and Symbol Technologies Inc. escalated a step further with Intermec filing a counter-suit against Symbol for infringement on its patents for wireless access, terminal and software technologies. The lawsuit follows a breakdown in negotiations between the two companies for a cross-licensing agreement over the various patents, actions that caused Symbol to stop supplying Intermec with its laser scan engines.
The battle between Intermec and Symbol covers a variety of facets. Intermec previously filed charges against Symbol over radio frequency identification technology. And Symbol earlier this month filed a suit against Intermec alleging the company was infringing on Symbol’s patents for wireless communications. Intermec’s countersuit marks the latest blow in the fight.
“Symbol’s unauthorized use of Intermec’s patents is a clear violation of patent law and involves a substantial part of Symbol’s automated data capture product line,” said Tom Miller, Intermec’s president.
As for Symbol terminating its supply contract for laser scan engines, Intermec said the move won’t affect its business. The company said it has a long-term supply of Symbol scan engine inventory, and it plans to introduce its own, non-infringing EXCELerate laser scan engine later this year.
Patent infringement cases typically take years to iron out, either through court decisions or financial settlements.
