Apple, HP, Aruba accused by Linex of infringing Wi-Fi patents

Hewlett-Packard Co. and Apple Inc. were among five companies accused by closely held Linex Technologies Inc. of infringing patents for wireless communications used in laptop computers.

Aruba Networks Inc., Meru Networks Inc. and Ruckus Wireless Inc., all based in Sunnyvale, California, were also named in the May 6 complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, which has the power to block imports of products found to infringe patents. Linex also filed suit in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, the same day, seeking cash compensation.

Linex, a Palm Beach Gardens, Florida-based licenser of technology, claims two of its patents cover inventions used in the standard for wireless communication, including a way to limit the fading of signal strength in buildings. The complaint cites at least nine models by Palo Alto, California-based HP, including the Pavilion and Envy laptops, as well as Cupertino, California-based Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Airport Extreme and Time Capsule products.

The case is In the Matter of Certain Wireless Communication Devices and Systems, Complaint No. 2802, U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington). The civil case is Linex Technologies Inc. v. Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ), 11cv400, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (Wilmington).

(Published by Bloomberg - May 10, 2011)