HP is seeking to block EMC from continuing to use the intellectual property allegedly protected by the patents, in addition to damages.
EMC claims that “certain HP data storage products” infringe six patents owned by EMC. Four of the allegedly infringed EMC patents are “the foundation” of the Symmetrix Remote Data Facility and TimeFinder software products.
HP said in a statement that it “would prefer to compete with EMC in the marketplace”, and that EMC “opted to pursue a lawsuit against Hitachi… as well as HP directly through ongoing litigation relative to StorageApps.” Hitachi is one of EMC’s technology providers, whilst StorageApps was acquired by HP last year.
EMC on the other hand characterised the HP suit as a “competitive marketing volley”, according to Reuters.