USR and IBM face action over patents

IBM and US Robotics (USR) are being sued over alleged patent infringements on PC card modems and peripherals by General Patent Corporation International (GPC).

Four patents are involved, covering two types of connector interfaces, programmable connectors and integrated connectors and modems.

GPC is an international technology transfer company acting on behalf of independent developers.

David Fink, lead counsel for the plaintiff, said: ?More litigations may be necessary if companies decide to test GPC?s conviction in enforcing its intellectual property rights.?

He estimated that IBM and US Robotics have been using the technologies for a period of up to four years.