SmartSky Networks Patent Lawsuit Information
BACKGROUND
In 2021, SmartSky launched the most advanced air-to-ground (ATG) in-flight internet connectivity solution ever offered to business jets. The new system was based on patented technology developed over many years that used narrow “beamforming” technology to send signals through the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum to aircraft. The high data rates and low latency allowed passengers to have an inflight experience much like they do on the ground. Multiple users could stream video, hold conference calls and browse the internet simultaneously while in flight, anywhere in the country.
Until SmartSky’s innovative approach enabled the use of unlicensed spectrum for ATG applications, Gogo had no ATG competitors. Its expensive and limited licensed spectrum was the only inflight connectivity option for many aircraft. With the launch of SmartSky, Gogo was facing a viable competitor in the ATG marketplace for the first time in its history.
Despite repeatedly renouncing the unlicensed spectrum as a technically unfeasible option for ATG, Gogo began selling and offering for sale, a system that mimics what SmartSky invented.
In February 2022, in response to the obvious and ongoing infringement on its patents, SmartSky filed a lawsuit against Gogo. It further asked the District Court in Delaware for a Preliminary Injunction that would immediately bar Gogo from selling any solution that used SmartSky technology.
A list of SmartSky patents may be found at ssnpatents.com.
View related press releases related to the lawsuit at smartskynetworks.com/pressreleases
