InterDigital, known for owning a number of patents related to wireless products, has filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission against several technology firms.
Claiming they infringed seven of its patents, InterDigital has requested the ITC apply a ban on the U.S. import of products created by Samsung, Nokia, ZTE and Huawei.
InterDigital, who develops and patents wireless technologies utilized in numerous devices, alleges that the companies have carried out unfair trade practices through selling certain 3G and 4G wireless devices that allegedly violate the seven patents. While the firm didn't name any specific products, the complaint cites mobile phones, USB sticks, mobile hot spots, laptops and tablets.
"Wireless technology continues to advance at tremendous speed based on the contributions that InterDigital and others have made to core connectivity technology," said Lawrence Shay, president of InterDigital's patent holding subsidiaries. "For InterDigital, that effort represents roughly one billion dollars of research and development involving hundreds of wireless engineers over decades. While the vast majority of our dozens of licensees recognize our contributions and choose to license our portfolio based on discussions alone, in some cases we're forced to resort to legal action."
The Philadelphia-based firm wants the products banned from entry into the U.S. and is also seeking a sales ban of any of the devices already present in the region. The ITC now has 30 days to decide if it should launch an investigation.
InterDigital also filed the complaint with the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, where it requested both a sales ban and an unspecified amount in damages.
A spokesperson for Samsung told CNET the South Korean technology giant is "currently in the process of reviewing the filings." A representative for Nokia, meanwhile, said it's aware of the complaint and will "defend itself in this matter to ensure its rights are protected."
Back in 2011, InterDigital filed an ITC complaint against Nokia, Huawei, and ZTE related to the alleged infringement of its 3G patents. In the past, the company has reached patent agreements with both Samsung and Apple.
Research In Motion recently expanded an agreement with InterDigital that will allow it to utilize the latter's patented technology in its upcoming BlackBerry 10 devices.
