SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan 28, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cresta Technology Corporation, a product company that sells silicon tuner chips to television set manufacturers based on its patented Smart Tuner™ technology, filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission today asking the ITC to investigate and determine whether CrestaTech's patents have been infringed by two silicon chip companies, Silicon Laboratories SLAB +0.02% and MaxLinear MXL +1.63% . The complaint also lists major importers into the United States of television sets containing Silicon Laboratories and MaxLinear silicon tuner chips.
CrestaTech, which designs, develops, and manufactures silicon tuner chips in the United States, accuses Silicon Laboratories, MaxLinear, and four television set manufactures and their U.S. subsidiaries of unlawfully importing certain television sets, receivers, tuners, and other components into the United States. In addition to calling for an investigation into the alleged violations, CrestaTech seeks an exclusion order that would halt the importation of the devices it claims feature technology that infringes its patents. The company also is seeking a cease and desist order to stop the marketing and sale of the devices within the United States.
The three CrestaTech patents in question cover technology that enables a single television receiver to process analog or digital television signals in multiple standards, making it possible for a television to work anywhere in the world. The patented technologies also eliminate the need for bulky traditional "can" tuners, thus substantially reducing the cost of developing thin, flat panel televisions.
"Our goal is to resolve a situation where others profit unfairly from our inventions and to enable all TV makers to continue to offer great products while respecting the trade protections of the United States," stated Torbjorn Folkebrant, CEO of CrestaTech.
CrestaTech is represented by Susman Godfrey LLP and Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, LLP.
About CrestaTech
Located in Silicon Valley, CrestaTech ( www.crestatech.com ) is the creator of Smart Tuner™ products that permit excellent reception of any worldwide television broadcast signal. Smart Tuner™ ICs feature a patented architecture comprising precision RF analog front-end plus digital signal processing techniques. With flat and consistent frequency response, Smart Tuner™ products have the ability to handle diverse and extreme signal conditions, and are immune to LTE and WiFi interference, all without the need for external filters or shielding. Smart Tuner™ ICs are found in many of the world’s leading brand flat panel televisions.
About Susman Godfrey LLP
For more than 30 years, Susman Godfrey has focused its nationally recognized practice on one thing: high-stakes commercial litigation. It is one of the nation's leading law firms, with offices in Houston, Dallas, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York. For more information, visit www.susmangodfrey.com .
About Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, LLP
Since 1981 Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, LLP has been an internationally recognized leader in the field of international trade law with an emphasis on Section 337 intellectual property litigation before the United States International Trade Commission. For more information, visit www.adduci.com .