WebGain, a provider of e-business development software,
yesterday said that patent infringement claims against the company
are without merit. Earlier this month, the Borland Software
Company, a rival developer, sued WebGain, alleging that WebGain's
products infringed its patents and that it should have negotiated a
licence to use its software.
In May, WebGain asked a US court to declare that its products do
not infringe Borland's patents. No declaration has yet been given
and on Friday, Borland filed its own infringement action against
WebGain. Robert Melendres, senior vice president and general
counsel of WebGain said:
"We aggressively protect our intellectual
property, respect the intellectual property of others, and will
continue to seek relief from the courts regarding Borland's
baseless accusations of patent infringement. We are confident we
will prevail.''
Dale L. Fuller, president and chief executive officer of
Borland, said:
"While we would have preferred not to file
this claim, we value our intellectual property rights and we have a
responsibility to take the necessary steps to protect these
valuable assets. WebGain's refusal to negotiate an appropriate
license agreement left us no other choice. We must and we will
protect our intellectual property."
