Hard Drive Patent Infringement Investigation Hits Five Companies

Steven and Mary Reiber filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) claiming several companies are infringing on hard drive technology patents they own. The government organization is now looking into Western Digital, Toshiba, and Seagate Technologies Hewlett-Packard, and Dell for possible violations.

The couple claimed that several hard drive manufacturers as well as companies that use hard drives in their products are infringing on their patents covering dissipative ceramic bonding methods. The two are hoping for a permanent cease and desist order to prevent the import of the hard drive products.

Should the ITC rule in favor of the Reibers, the decision could spell trouble for companies that build hard drives, and also for the companies that use hard drives in their products -- including manufacturers of external hard drives and RAID systems.

The ITC has until November 24 to set a deadline for its investigation.