2/15/13

Post #5: Wi-Fi Patent Troll vs. the Wi-Fi Manufacturers & End-Users


Innovatio was created by Noel Whitley, who was the former IP lawyer of Broadcom. In the article, Wi-Fi patent troll hit with racketeering suit emerges unscathed, Innovatio started suing hotels and coffee shops for Wi-Fi patent infringement. Their strategy is to sue the end-users instead of the manufacturers of Wi-Fi routers, hubs, adapters, etc. On the other hand, the manufacturers, Cisco, Motorola, and Netgear teamed up to file a RICO claim against Innovatio. However, Judge James Holderman threw out the RICO claims, because Innovatio was not engaged in “sham litigation”, and the company is protected by the First Amendment. In addition, RICO claims are generally against crime families. Fortunately, Holderman will allow the manufacturers to file contract claims against innovation. However, the hotels that were sued by Innovatio will still have to pay up if the hearing next week does not go towards their favor.

Personally, I wish the court will not let Innovatio “troll” these small businesses. Otherwise, Innovatio’s next step could be target private home users, and that means we would be the next target for the patent troll.
                                                       

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