Aruba Networks files patent infringement countersuit against Motorola

Aruba Networks, Inc. (ARUN), a provider of wireless LANs and secure mobility solutions, said it filed a patent infringement countersuit against Motorola, Inc. (MOT: News ), Symbol and Wireless Valley, concerning Motorola's infringement of two Aruba patents related to managing wireless computer networks and network security.

The first asserted patent was assumed by Sunnyvale, California-based Aruba in March 2008 as part of its acquisition of AirWave Wireless, Inc. 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.

Aruba's countersuit follows a decision by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to re-examine 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 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.

According to Keerti Melkote, Aruba's co-founder and chief technology officer, "We asserted our patents following an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a license. 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."

ARUN closed Tuesday's regular trade at $5.29, up $0.16 or 3.12%, on 843,210 shares.

by RTT Staff Writer