CommScope, which provides infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Clearfield, Inc., a fiber optic manufacturer based in the Minneapolis area.
The complaint asserts infringement on 13 patents relating to CommScope fiber-to-the-X (FTTx) innovations against Clearfield’s FieldSmart® PON Cabinets, WaveSmart® Ruggedized Splitters, FieldShield® Deployment Reel System, SmartRoute® Panel, FieldShield® Multiport SmarTerminal and FieldShield® Hardened Connectors.
“CommScope invests heavily in fiber optic innovation to benefit its customers and reinforce its position as a global leader in wireless and wireline network infrastructure,” said Jaxon Lang, senior vice president and Connectivity Solutions segment leader, CommScope. “As such, we vigorously protect these valuable assets, and this action against Clearfield is a necessary step to prevent unauthorized infringement.”
In response, Clearfield stated it intends to “vigorously defend against the patent infringement suit … Clearfield invested significant resources in bringing to market Clearfield’s FieldSmart PON Cabinets, WaveSmart(R) Ruggedized Splitters, FieldShield(R) Deployment Reel System, SmartRoute(R) Panel, FieldShield(R) Multiport SmarTerminal and FieldShield(R) Hardened Connectors named in the suit, and does not believe that these innovative products violate any valid intellectual property of CommScope.”
Clearfield CEO Cheri Beranek said, “It seems that Clearfield’s successful penetration and growth in the fiber broadband market has attracted the notice of competitors. Clearfield remains committed to pursuing its market development initiatives and to winning business with an expansive product offering to a broad customer base that recognizes Clearfield’s strong value proposition.”
The action and complaint can be found at CommScope Technologies LLC v. Clearfield, Inc., Case No. 17-cv-00307 (D. Minn., Jan. 2017).
February 3, 2017
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