CHICAGO (Business Wire) -- Neutral Tandem, Inc. (NASDAQ:TNDM) is attempting to limit competition in the telecommunications market by filing a patent infringement lawsuit against Peerless Network, LLC, a growing competitor in the field, according to a court filing made on behalf of Peerless Network by Kelley Drye & Warren, its counsel. Peerless made these allegations in its response to Neutral Tandem's lawsuit in which it also sought a decision that the patent is invalid and that Peerless does not infringe the patent in any event. Peerless is also bringing counterclaims against Neutral Tandem for damages under federal and state antitrust and unfair competition statutes.
"Even assuming the Neutral Tandem patent is valid, which we dispute, it is improper for a company to attempt to restrict competition in telecommunications markets by suing companies that do not rely on the patented methodologies for their business," said Hank Kelly of Kelley Drye & Warren, who, along with David Rammelt and David Yohannan, filed the response on behalf of Peerless.
"In just a short period of time, we have clearly become an important player in our industry," said Peerless Network's CEO John Barnicle. "This lawsuit will not deter us from bringing real competition to the marketplace."
About Peerless Network, LLC.
Peerless is a fully funded, privately held company focused on simplifying the interconnection process for other telecommunications service providers via a wide range of innovative services. Based in Chicago, the company currently operates in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis. It expects to be in a dozen major markets by late 2008. www.peerlessnetwork.com
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Ashley Galston, 312-857-7088, agalston@kelleydrye.com
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