Texas Company Sues Cisco for Patent Infringement

A small data storage technology company has filed lawsuits against Cisco Systems Inc. and others in Texas federal court, claiming patent infringement.

The lawsuits were filed by Crossroads Systems Inc. against Cisco, NetApp Inc. and Quantum Corp. in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, alleging infringement of U.S. Patents 6,425,035 and 7,934,041, which are part of Crossroads’ 972 Patent Family.

Crossroads has licensed the patent family to over 40 different companies since 2001, receiving more than $60 million in revenue from licenses and settlements.

The lawsuits allege that the defendant companies have incorporated technology patented by Crossroads into their data storage systems, including storage arrays and series switches, illegally.

Crossroads said that its technology is fundamental to efficient and secure access to network data storage systems. The company stated that it always seeks to avoid litigation, but that it has a responsibility to its shareholders to pursue legal action when companies engage in unlicensed use of its patented technology.

The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages. Crossroads is based in Austin and employs about 60 people. The company is led by CEO Richard K. Coleman Jr.

Crossroads also filed patent infringement lawsuits of a similar nature against Dell Inc. and other companies in November 2013.

Gregory D. Jordan is an Austin business attorney and business litigation lawyer. To learn more, visit http://www.theaustintriallawyer.com or call 512-419-0684.

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