Microsoft Corp. announced that it has filed a patent infringement claim with the International Trade Commission against Belkin, a California-based supplier of cables and networking, as well as PC and computer accessories. Microsoft claims in the complaint that Belkin violated a Microsoft patent by importing a product which Microsoft claims infringes on its U2 technology. The U2 technology enables peripherals to sense whether a device is plugging into a PS2 or USB port and then make the appropriate connection.
Microsoft claims that it licenses its U2 technology to many companies, including KYE Systems, Monterey International and Targus, but has tried without success to engage Belkin in similar licensing talks for the past two years. Microsoft also claims that it is not seeking monetary damages or compensation from Belkin, but is simply seeking to halt Belkin from importing the related products until such time as Belkin licenses the U2 technology.
Tom Burt, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Microsoft, said, ""Belkin's use of this technology without paying for it is unfair to companies who invent, respect and pay for this property." Belkin, claiming to have not been served with Microsoft's complaint, issued a statement which refrained from commenting on the matter.
