Pirelli Cables and Ciena Corp. in patent dispute

Pirelli Cables and Ciena Corp. in patent dispute

Pirelli Cables and Systems North America (Columbia, SC; formerly Pirelli Cable Corp.) is suing Ciena Corp. (Linthicum, MD) for alleged infringement of two Pirelli patents covering fiberoptic technology. At issue are Pirelli patents: a "Unit for amplifying light signals in optical fiber transmission lines" and an "Optical power amplifier with (aluminum oxide) and erbium-doped active fiber." Pirelli is seeking unspecified but triple damages and a court order against alleged infringement.

Ciena said it believes its MultiWave does not infringe any valid claims of any patents held by Pirelli, that it will defend itself "vigorously," and that it believes the suit with Pirelli will be resolved.