Map company fined for patent infringement of satellite communications technology

A Maine-based company known for its maps has been fined $6.2 million in a patent infringement case involving satellite technology. DeLorme Publishing was fined by federal officials after Briar Tek, a company based in Virginia, alleged that the company was infringing on one of their products, the Portland Press Herald reported.

The technology in question is used for hand-held satellite communications. DeLorme created a product with this functionality, and Briar Tek accused them of infringing the patent for their own product that has a similar function. DeLorme's technology, called InReach, allows users to send text messages without needing cell phone reception. This makes it possible to send texts from any location across the globe. Satellite technology is what makes this able to happen.

According to an article in the Portland Press Herald, the case started in 2012. BriarTek issued a complaint to the International Trade Commission regarding the hand-held satellite communication devices because DeLorme had been importing the devices to the U.S. after having them manufactured overseas. 

DeLorme had reportedly made a consent agreement in which it had agreed to manufacture the hand-held devices from its location in Maine. The agreement was made in April 2013 in which DeLorme would not import the devices infringing on Briar Tek's patent to the United States. 

As a result of these actions, DeLorme has received fines in the millions. As we have noted previously, intellectual property violations have the potential to carry severe consequences.

When it comes to patent infringement, companies must take the steps necessary to protect their valuable intellectual property. Arizona-based companies can take advantage of the expert legal counsel of a Phoenix small business attorney to learn how to keep valuable intellectual property protected. 

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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