Acer to investigate HP patent allegations

Acer, the world's fourth largest PC maker, will investigate charges that it illegally used HP's patented technology, the company announced yesterday. 

"Acer Inc was informed today that Hewlett Packard has initiated a lawsuit for patent infringement against Acer Inc and our US subsidiary alleging infringement of five US patents by Acer's personal computer products," Acer announced in a statement. 

"Acer respects the intellectual properties of third parties and is currently conducting a full investigation of the allegations made by HP."

The announcement continues with an aggressive warning that Acer will defend its own intellectual property, but did not mention whether this was directed at HP.

"As one of the world's leading PC brands, Acer has obtained substantial intellectual property," the company said.

"Acer also expects others to respect our intellectual property and is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect and enforce our patented technologies against unlicensed use."

HP, the world's largest PC vendor, filed suit against Acer in a Texas court this week, accusing the Taiwanese firm of knowingly infringing on five of its patents.

HP has demanded damages and an injunction stopping Acer from continuing to sell the alleged patent-infringing products.

The patents appear likely to affect a wide range of products as they include optical storage and CPU power-saving technologies.

Acer has increased market share faster than any other major PC vendor in the past two years, challenging market leaders like HP. The company has just reported $11.32bn in revenue for 2006, a 16 per cent increase.

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