Disk vendors in patent infringement row

Hard disk drive vendor Seagate Technology has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against rival disk drive vendor Cornice.

Seagate's lawsuit against Cornice alleges infringement of six United States patents that relate to several areas of disk drive technology. As part of this lawsuit, Seagate is seeking monetary damages and a permanent injunction that bars Cornice from making, using, importing, offering to sell, or selling the allegedly infringing products in the United States.

"We believe very strongly in competing in the marketplace based on the innovation, reliability, performance and quality of our products," said Bill Watkins, Seagate president. "However, we cannot allow the competitive advantage we've established through our long-term investment in R&D to be unfairly attacked by those who would illegally infringe on our technology portfolio and intellectual property."

A spokesperson for Cornice said the company would not comment on pending litigation other than to say that it was reviewing the lawsuit.

Cornice manufactures 1 inch disk drives, which are being used in items such as digital cameras, mobile phones and MP3 players. Seagate recently introduced a disk drive of its own with a 1 inch form factor.

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