Emulex files lawsuit against Broadcom, alleging violations of federal antitrust laws

Emulex files lawsuit against Broadcom

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Emulex Corp., which makes data storage equipment, said Monday it has filed a lawsuit against chip designer Broadcom Corp., alleging violations of federal antitrust laws.

Emulex’s suit alleges that Broadcom, based in Irvine, Calif., acted in an uncompetitive manner, made defamatory statements and engaged in acts of unfair competition in violation of seven separate statutes.

The case was filed in federal court in Santa Ana, Calif. The complaint is seeking damages, attorneys’ fees and other costs.

In September, Broadcom filed a lawsuit against Emulex for allegedly infringing on 10 patents, which cover a range of high-speed data and storage networking technologies. Both companies make equipment for corporate networks.

On Monday, Emulex said it filed its answer to Broadcom’s complaint last week, alleging that it believes Broadcom patents are invalid or not infringed.

Broadcom said in a statement Monday that it was evaluating Emulex’s claims.

Shares of Emulex added 2 cents to $10.02 in late afternoon trading, while shares of Broadcom added $1.41, or 5.3 percent, to $28.29.