Holding company Speedus Corp. of New York City said Monday it is filing lawsuits against Little Rock’s Alltel Corp. over use of wireless technology patents.
Speedus, which has investments in wireless and telecommunication companies, said in a news release that the patents cover transmitting television to wireless users over cellular networks and the simultaneous transmission of analog and digital signals within the same bandwidth.
The lawsuits, filed in U.S. District Court in southern Florida, are similar to a lawsuit it filed last month against Verizon Wireless of Bedminster, N.J.
In a news release, Shant Hovnanian, CEO and chairman of Speedus said,
“Based on our research we have identified infringements of two of our patents by Alltel and we are asking them to cease and desist from these infringements in their network services.
“We are also aware of reciprocal roaming agreements that Alltel has in place with Verizon Wireless, against whom we filed similar actions on May 12th. These reciprocal agreements have increased the scope of unauthorized usage of our technology.”
But Alltel is unsure of any wrongdoing on its part. Alltel spokesman Andy Moreau said, “We have not yet had an opportunity to visit the lawsuit but do not believe we are infringing on any patent rights.”
Besides its stakes in wireless and tech companies, Speedus owns a medical technology firm and runs two fast-food restaurants. The company has reported positive net income just once in the past six years, in 2004. Last year the company reported a net income loss of $5.47 million.
Shares of Alltel (NYSE: AT) were trading at $62.99 on Monday after closing at $63.40 on Friday.
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