Global Tel*Link Takes Steps to Protect Innovation, Competition

RESTON, Va., March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Tel*Link (GTL), the leading provider of integrated correctional technology solutions, today announced that it has asked the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to review the validity of a patent Securus Technologies has used to file lawsuits against its competitors.  This is the latest step that GTL has taken to end what it believes is Securus Technologies' practice of suing rivals for patent infringement, instead of competing in the marketplace.  

"As the market leader, GTL has a responsibility to protect the industry from misleading tactics such as this," said Brian Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of Global Tel*Link.  "Securus' patent- trolling activity stifles innovation, imposes unnecessary costs, and ultimately hurts the customer. Furthermore, it poaches the work of real inventors."

It is GTL's contention that Securus took existing ideas from the marketplace, made slight and obvious alterations, and packaged them as its own intellectual property.  "We will demonstrate that the 'crown jewel' of Securus' patent portfolio is nothing more than a masquerade," Oliver stated. "You cannot use well-established technology and claim you have invented something new simply because you use it in a correctional facility."

GTL is the most recent target of the "sue and settle" strategy Securus has utilized to intimidate competitors for more than 10 years. Their strategy begins with intellectual property claims, and results in 'bullying' competitors into settlements to avoid the costs and distraction of litigation.  In October GTL announced it intends to end the "sue and settle" practices of Securus and vehemently defend itself against fraudulent claims and litigation.

"We are taking this position to protect our business, our customers, and the marketplace we serve," Oliver added. "As an industry leader, we welcome healthy competition, but Securus' tactics have nothing to do with fair competition. It is simply a strategy designed to intimidate."

GTL's first front against these practices is in the U.S. Court in Texas, where the company is vigorously defending itself against false claims of infringement and is asserting its own patent portfolio.  The step taken today will require the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to review the validity of U.S. Patent No. 7,899,167  – a patent Securus Technologies has used to file lawsuits against more than five competitors. 

The combination of this latest action with the introduction of GTL's new brand for integrated correctional technology solutions, underscores the company's commitment to the market. Specifically, the company remains steadfastly dedicated to developing, deploying, and supporting a robust and ever-expanding portfolio of technologically superior and innovative products and services for correctional facilities. In this manner, customers should be confident that there will be no disruption of the services or technologies provided by GTL.

ABOUT GTL
GTL is the only one-stop shop providing a full suite of integrated technological and communications solutions for the corrections industry. GTL's diverse product portfolio features inmate telephone systems, advanced investigative tools, offender management and accounting software, inmate self-service kiosks, deposit and payment products and services, video visitation, and a new generation of inmate entertainment and engagement technologies.  For more than 20 years, the market has recognized GTL as the leader in providing cutting-edge, integrated solutions to the corrections marketplace. Additional information on GTL is available at www.gtl.net

SOURCE Global Tel*Link