Companies Settle PoE-related Patent Dispute

PowerDsine, a provider of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) solutions, has reached a settlement in litigation against Network-1 Security Solutions. PowerDsine sought a declaration that the Remote Power Patent (US Patent No. 6,218,930) owned by Network-1 (the "Patent") is invalid and has not been infringed by PowerDsine or its customers. Under the terms of the settlement, PowerDsine has agreed to dismiss with prejudice its suit against Network-1 in exchange for certain relief from liability for PowerDsine and its customers.

Under the terms of the settlement, Network-1 has agreed not to sue PowerDsine on account of the Patent with respect to any of PowerDsine's integrated circuit products, or to seek damages from customers of PowerDsine that incorporate PowerDsine integrated circuit products into products manufactured on or before April 30, 2006. Network-1 also has agreed to a similar restraint regarding PowerDsine’s Midspan products.

No licenses to use the technologies covered by the Remote Power Patent were granted to PowerDsine or its customers under the terms of the settlement. PowerDsine, on its part, has agreed that it will not initiate or assist in litigation relating to the Remote Power Patent.