Bluetooth suit targets big 3 mobile makers

An American research group has sued mobile manufacturers Nokia, Samsung and Panasonic for allegedly infringing a patent for wireless Bluetooth technology.

The Washington Research Foundation said Tuesday that it had filed a complaint at the United States Western District Court of Washington State in Seattle. In the complaint the research group allege the three mobile firms had manufactured, sold and offered for sale, devices which “infringes at least the ‘963’ patent”. 963 is the University’s radio frequency receiver patent.

The complaint targets products using Bluetooth chips from UK chip manufacturer, CSR. The Cambridge based firm has vigorously defended its position. On Wednesday afternoon, the company issued a statement which said it had taken advice from its lawyers. It added: “The suit is without merit in relation to CSR’s Bluetooth chips and CSR will defend its products vigorously.”