According to a company statement, SmartSky Networks has filed a federal lawsuit against its former radio contractor, Wireless Systems Solutions LLC (WSS). SmartSky has terminated its contract with WSS and asserts that WSS misappropriated SmartSky intellectual property. SmartSky’s lawsuit alleges improper actions by WSS, two related entities (DAG Wireless LTD and DAG Wireless USA), and three of their senior leaders.
“We have pledged to defend our intellectual property vigorously because it is critical to our success. In this situation, WSS failed to complete what it was contracted to do for SmartSky. Simultaneously, we believe WSS attempted to sell our product as its own, including through an alter-ego company formed after we began working with WSS, yet involving the same people,” said Ryan Stone, president of SmartSky.
“This activity has caused a delay in SmartSky bringing our next-generation wi-fi network to the aviation market,” Stone added. “We’re transferring WSS’s former work scope to contractors who have performed well for us in the past on other aspects of our programme.”
In other SmartSky news, the company recently closed on more than US$40 million in additional equity funding, US$10 million in new debt, and now expects to launch its network in 2021.
“Demand is increasing for connectivity on aircraft, and SmartSky believes there is plenty of runway for innovation in this space,” said SmartSky in an official statement.
