Global Tel*Link, Leader in Correctional Communications Technologies, Takes Action to Protect Innovation and Competition in the Marketplace

RESTON, Va., Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Global Tel*Link (GTL), took action in federal court to protect its proprietary, cutting-edge technology and to end the "sue-and-settle" lawsuits that have become Securus Technologies' trademark in the industry.

First, in response to Securus' latest round of litigation, GTL told a federal court in Texas that Securus is barred by contract from bringing patent claims against GTL, that Securus' patents are invalid and were obtained through false statements and that GTL does not use Securus' patented technology in any event. In a separate case filed today in Virginia, GTL outlined how Securus has systematically infringed on GTL's patented, innovative technology and asked the court to stop Securus' unauthorized use.

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, managed access, 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 two decades the market has recognized Global Tel*Link as the leader in providing cutting edge, integrated solutions to the corrections marketplace. By contrast, Securus has a long track record in the "sue-and-settle" game. They've filed 12 suits over the last 10 years against 19 industry competitors, cornering companies into settling so as not to bear the burdensome cost of going to court.

Brian Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of Global Tel*Link said, "Global Tel*Link has never been in the business of acquiring patents to then seek out competitors to sue them for infringement. This type of trolling activity has been Securus' calling card for ten years, and it stifles innovation, threatens technology development and ultimately hurts customers."

Oliver continued, "We welcome healthy competition within the marketplace: it's better for customers, it's better for consumers and keeps all competitors sharp. We would prefer to let the market decide – as it has done – which company offers superior products and services. But, Securus' tactics have nothing to do with fair competition. It's simply the keystone of their "sue-and-settle" strategy, designed to intimidate. We are taking these actions today to protect our business, our customers and the marketplace we serve."

As Global Tel*Link moves forward to preserve and protect its reputation, it remains committed to providing, unabated, its best-in-class technology solutions and industry leading service and support. Customers should be confident that there will be no disruption of the services or technologies provided by Global Tel*Link.

About Global Tel*Link

Over the last two decades GTL has lead the market by providing cutting edge and integrated technology. It solves business problems by developing products that provide best of breed solutions which have been tested by the industry over the years. GTL's reach includes State Department of Corrections contracts in 29 states, over 2,200 facilities and at least 1.1 million inmates nationally and internationally.

SOURCE Global Tel*Link