Palo Alto, California-based HP alleges that the Taiwanese computer maker infringed on five US patents relating to DVD editing, processing and power consumption technologies.
HP is upset about Acer’s use of optical drive editing, clock frequency switching, utilization-based power management, digital serial bus device attachment, and multiple-chip processing technologies that claims it was issued patents for between 1997 and 2003.
The suit was filed on Tuesday against the San Jose, California-based subsidiary of Acer in an Eastern District Court in Texas.
HP believes Acer has been selling computer products that use HP’s patented technologies without permission, said an HP spokesperson in a prepared statement.
HP is seeking treble damages and an injunction against Acer from selling any desktop and notebook PCs, media centers, and related products that violate the patents in question. The company is also asking Acer to pony up for legal costs as well.
HP is believed to hold over 6,000 patents relating to its PC technology covering features like power consumption and efficiency and processing capabilities that boost computer efficiency and improve user experience.
Acer has not commented on the suit apart from saying that it honors patents.
Some industry observers believe the suit might be motivated by HP’s increasing concern over Acer’s recent market share gains in the global PC market – particularly the EMEA region, which accounts for 70% of Acer’s worldwide revenue and grew 37% in its most recent quarter.
Founded in 1976, Acer now ranks among the top four PC makers, below Lenovo, which acquired IBM’s PC division in 2005.
Acer grew its share of the market by just under 40% from 2005 to 2006 according to figures recently published by research firm IDC. Acer’s 2006 profits were up 20.5% to $309.1m.
HP has also been making gaining market share and recently edged past another rival Dell Corp in recent months according to industry research figures.
