IBM, Cisco, Nokia others sued over network security

A case started in a Delaware court which accuses Cisco, IBM, Check Point Software, 3Com, Nokia, Fortinet and Sourcefire of infringing a network security patent.

Enhanced Security Research alleges that the firms breached a patent it has, US 6,119,236 called Intelligent Network Security Device and Method, and another patent, 6,304,975B1. The patent was granted to inventor Peter Shipley on September 12, 2000. Shipley has assigned the patent to Enhanced Security Research.

The filing mentions a number of products that are alleged to breach the patent, including the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switch, 7600 Series Routers, and others; IBM’s Network Security Appliances;  Check Point’s network security appliances and software; SonicWall products; 3Com’s Intrusion Prevention Systems; Nokia’s IP Security Platforms; and a series of Fortinet and Sourcefire products.

The plaintiff wants damages.