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ClearOne sues Shure for allege patent, trade secret violations, Shure denies allegations

April 16, 2019

ClearOne has filed a lawsuit against Shure Inc. for alleged trade secret misappropriation and patent infringement of its U.S. Patent. No 9,264,553, which relates to acoustic echo cancellation on fixed beams, according to a press release.

The lawsuit alleges Shure improperly obtained ClearOne's trade secrets such as its Beamforming Microphone Array line of products. ClearOne also claims Shure used its acoustic echo cancellation patented technology for its MXA910 and MXA310 digital signage products.

Shure disputes the allegations and claims this is an attempt by ClearOne to "recoup business losses resulting from its own failure to innovate," according to Mark Brunner, VP of corporate and government relations, Shure Inc.

"Shure will vigorously defend against ClearOne’s meritless claims in the U.S. District Court, including the allegations that Shure inappropriately had access to ClearOne dealer pricing information, which ClearOne dubiously labels a 'trade secret,'" Brunner said in a statement. "These allegations are simply further attempts to disrupt the channel. As with the previously asserted ‘186 and ‘806 patents, we believe the ‘553 patent is invalid and not infringed by Shure. We have appealed the PTAB’s recent ruling on the ‘553 patent and will continue to challenge ClearOne’s claims in the pending litigation and in this newly filed case."

The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages for past infringement and injunctive relief to prevent further infringement, according to the release.