Synchrome Technology, Inc. v. Hewlett Packard et al.
 
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
Synchrome Technology, Inc.
     Plaintiff,
                    vs.  
Hewlett Packard, et al.
     Defendants.
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 Case No. 4:06-cv-00155

Jury Trial Demanded

In the late 1980s, computing technology was still in its infancy. Many computer users were struggling with novel issues like data integrity. System adminstrators everywhere were avoiding data loss from hardware failure by backing up data to archival data devices.  At the time, the only practical data archival device was the tape drive since optical data recording devices were not yet in existence.

Synchrome then solved one of the major issues facing hardware designers developing computing systems with the then-new Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface. Synchrome developed, and then patented, a technique that allowed two drive devices, one a hard drive and the other a data archival device, to share a single IDE interface at the same time.

Unfortunately, the computing industry realized the value of Synchrome's invention before Synchrome was able to complete the patent examination process. By the time Synchrome's patents finally issued, the industry had adopted the technology and Synchrome was forced to compete against its own technology.

Synchrome came to the Mann Law Group and the Whitaker Law Group for assistance in enforcing its patents against the computer giants that had stolen its technology. In 2006, the Mann Law Group and the Whitaker Law Group brought suit against seven of the largest companies in the industry: Dell Computer Company, Hewlett Packard Inc., IBM, Lenovo, Gateway Computers, Sony USA, and Lite-On. The case is ongoing, but Synchrome has successfully resolved the disputes with five of the seven defendants.