Agilent Technologies, CompUSA Settle 'Mouse' Suit

PALO ALTO, Calif. & DALLAS, Sept. 19 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. and CompUSA Inc. have reached a resolution in a dispute over the use of optical sensors supplied by unlicensed manufacturers of Agilent's optical navigation patents, the companies announced yesterday. Under the terms of the agreement, CompUSA will discontinue sales of optical computer mice based on the unlicensed technology.

"CompUSA has always had the position that we will not infringe, either directly or indirectly, the intellectual property rights of any third party," said Mark Walker, executive vice president and general counsel for CompUSA. "CompUSA is pleased to resolve this matter with Agilent and will work with Agilent in the future if needed."

Agilent pioneered optical sensing for mouse technology and supplies these sensors to optical mouse manufacturers worldwide. The company said it has shipped more than 100 million optical mouse sensors since the release of its first navigation sensor in 1999.

Jason Hartlove, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Sensor Solutions Division, said, "We continually evaluate whether optical mice made with non-Agilent optical mouse sensors infringe upon Agilent-owned patents. Agilent will protect its intellectual property and continue to invest in developing industry-leading optical mouse components."

For more information, visit: www.agilent.com