CommScope (NASDAQ:COMM) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Clearfield (NASDAQ:CLFD). The complaint asserts 13 patents relating to CommScope fiber to the X (FTTx) technologies against Clearfield's FieldSmart PON Cabinets, WaveSmart Ruggedized Splitters, FieldShield Deployment Reel System, SmartRoute Panel, FieldShield Multiport SmarTerminal and FieldShield Hardened Connectors.
"CommScope invests heavily in fiber-optic innovation to benefit its customers and reinforce its position as a global leader in wireless and wireline network infrastructure," said Jaxon Lang, senior vice president and Connectivity Solutions segment leader, CommScope. "As such, we vigorously protect these valuable assets, and this action against Clearfield is a necessary step to prevent unauthorized infringement."
Clearfield says it intends to vigorously defend against the suit and does not believe that its products violate CommScope's intellectual property.
Clearfield CEO Cheri Beranek said: "It seems that Clearfield's successful penetration and growth in the fiber broadband market has attracted the notice of its competitors. Clearfield remains committed to pursuing its market development initiatives and to winning business with an expansive product offering to a broad customer base that recognizes Clearfield's strong value proposition."