Symantec Sues Zscaler For Seven Additional Patent Infringements Around Network Security Technologies

Symantec is adding to the list of patent infringement allegations it has made against Zscaler, saying Tuesday it has filed a second lawsuit against the company for an additional seven patent infringements.

Zscaler offers a security platform that uses a cloud-based firewall proxy architecture to deliver a portfolio of Software-as-a-Service web and network security offerings. The lawsuit, filed with the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Delaware, alleges that Zscaler violated Symantec's patents around web security, security scanning, data loss prevention, intrusion prevention, and intrusion signature analysis.

The network security technologies in this second lawsuit largely surround Symantec's acquisition of Blue Coat Systems, which was completed last summer. The lawsuit said the patent infringement predates the formation of Zscaler.

[Related: Symantec Sues IT Cloud Security Vendor Zscaler For Patent Infringement]

Symantec's first lawsuit, filed in December of last year, alleged Zscaler violated Symantec's patents around web security, data loss prevention, threat prevention, access control and antivirus.

’We are taking this additional action because we believe that Zscaler is continuing to infringe the intellectual property of Symantec and Blue Coat,’ said Scott Taylor, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of Mountain View, Calif.-based Symantec, in a statement. ’Symantec has a responsibility to its shareholders and customers to protect the company’s investments in innovative technologies. Symantec will continue to vigorously defend its valuable portfolio of patents and other intellectual property assets.’

Zscaler, San Jose, Calif., did not respond to CRN requests for comment on the latest lawsuit.

Wade Wyant, CEO of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based ITS Partners, said he thinks Symantec stepping up to protect its brand and technology is a good thing. Symantec overall has been more active as a company in recent months, both around innovation and getting its name out in the marketplace, which is great for partners, he said.

"I just think seeing some activity and fight inside of Symantec is good," Wyant said. "Seeing them be active is a good sign to me and a sign that the new leadership isn't standing on the sidelines. They're out there assuring their technology is differentiated. It's a positive thing to see."

Wyant said he also sees the lawsuit as a way for Symantec to get its name out there and establish itself as a thought leader in the market and as a patent holder.

Symantec said it could file additional claims as it continues to investigate the issue.