Summary of Lemko Alleges Motorola Mobility Using Stolen Source Code In Cellular Phones; Will Defend Its Intellectual Property Rights
Lemko Corporation sued Motorola Mobility in 2011, alleging the theft of proprietary Position-Determining Entity (PDE) source code used for E911 geo-location. Lemko claims Motorola hired a former engineer to steal the code, exported it to China for integration into handsets, and subsequently destroyed evidence to conceal the misappropriation. The lawsuit seeks damages under the Illinois Trade Secrets Act and aims to block Motorola's sale to Google to prevent fraudulent transfer of intellectual property.
Parts used in the Lemko PDE System:
- Network-based position-determining entity (PDE) source code
- A-GPS technology
- Base station software
- Cellular phone hardware
- Sprint network infrastructure
Schaumburg, Illinois (PRWEB) November 18, 2011
Lemko Corporation, a small US developer of cellular broadband networking software and systems, filed suit today in Cook County Circuit Court alleging that Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc., is financially benefiting from the use of misappropriated trade secrets in all cellular phones.
The complaint details the alleged pilfering of Lemkos network-based, position-determining entity (PDE) source code by Motorola Mobility and its predecessor Motorola, Inc.
The complaint provides the specific chronology, including Motorolas hiring of a Lemko engineer responsible for creating the unique code and the surreptitious actions of exporting the secret source code to Motorolas operations in China.
Lemkos unique software-based PDE and accompanying source code can be embedded in every base station and in every cellular phone. Lemkos PDE system when combined with A-GPS technology helps determine a cell phones precise geo-location. The ability to calculate and send location information is central to the success of timely response to E911 emergency calls and many other applications that use geo-location.
The complaint is the first brought by Lemko against Motorola Mobility, based in Libertyville, IL., which was created in January 2011 upon the break up of Motorola, Inc. It has been widely reported that Motorola Mobility is in the process of being sold to Google for $ 12.5 billion, mainly for its cellular patents and intellectual property.
Raymond Minkus, spokesman for Lemko, said, Lemko is committed to protecting itself against the theft of its software. Lemko will vigorously defend its intellectual property rights and will exercise its legal rights to prevent Motorolas illegal sale which would result in the fraudulent conveyance of our source code to Google.
The suit alleges that Motorola has admitted that Lemkos secret source code was present on the companys servers. The complaint further alleges that Motorola sought to conceal its use of Lemkos secret source code by exporting it to its China labs and by having Motorolas Chinese engineering team integrate the code into its cellular phones. The complaint asserts Motorola built the Lemko source code into at least one Motorola handset and tested it on the Sprint network.
Moreover, Motorola is accused of subsequently deleting and destroying evidence of the codes usage.
By destroying evidence of its misappropriation, Motorola has also engaged in willful, deliberate and malicious conduct and is, therefore, subject to increased damages under the Illinois Trade Secrets Act, 765 I.L.C.S. Section 165/4(b), the complaint states. Motorolas conduct was done voluntarily and intentionally and its misappropriation is not the result of a mistake or accident. Further, Motorolas acts were malicious, in that they were accompanied by a conscious and wanton disregard of Lemkos rights.
Lemko Corporation (http://www.lemko.com) is dedicated to creating and providing comprehensive broadband cellular solutions to rural communities, areas ravaged by disaster and for other special situations where small subscriber bases and / or problematic events require lower cost yet easy to implement solutions.
Lemkos proprietary IP software provides core 4G network technology that equips carriers, emergency response teams and other mission critical users of Lemkos patented game changing technology, with the ability to quickly, easily and economically deploy next generation mobile broadband systems.
The Cook County Circuit Court case file is 2011L012432.
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- What is the primary function of Lemko's PDE system?
The system determines a cell phones precise geo-location when combined with A-GPS technology. - Why is the ability to calculate location information important?
It is central to the success of timely response to E911 emergency calls and many other applications. - How did Motorola allegedly obtain the secret source code?
Motorola hired a Lemko engineer responsible for creating the unique code and exported the secret source code to its operations in China. - Did Motorola test the stolen code on any specific network?
Yes, the complaint asserts Motorola built the code into at least one handset and tested it on the Sprint network. - What actions did Motorola take after integrating the code?
Motorola is accused of subsequently deleting and destroying evidence of the codes usage. - Under what law can Lemko seek increased damages?
Lemko cites the Illinois Trade Secrets Act, specifically Section 165/4(b), due to willful and malicious conduct. - What was Lemkos stated goal regarding Motorolas sale to Google?
Lemko aimed to exercise legal rights to prevent the fraudulent conveyance of their source code to Google. - Who is Raymond Minkus in this context?
He is the spokesman for Lemko who stated the company is committed to protecting itself against the theft of its software.