Wi-LAN files patent suit against Apple, others

Wi-LAN Inc. says it has filed two lawsuits against major tech companies, including Apple, Dell and Hewlett-Packard, alleging infringement of key Wi-Fi and CDMA patents.

The Ottawa-based software company said Friday that the suits were filed in a U.S. District Court in Texas.

Wi-LAN alleges that the companies are infringing on an existing patent for CDMA and HSPA, and another for its Wi-Fi and LTE technology.

Named in the lawsuit are Apple Inc., Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, HTC America, Inc., Kyocera International Inc., Kyocera Communications Inc., Novatel Wireless Inc. and Sierra Wireless America Inc.

Wi-LAN specializes in managing a portfolio of patents and collecting licence fees from equipment makers that use the technology in their products.