Ion Geophysical claims patent violation in lawsuit

Ion Geophysical Corp. said Monday that it has sued WesternGeco LLC, claiming that WesternGeco has misappropriated technology related to steering devices and control systems for marine seismic streamers.

Ion, which generates seismic data for oil and gas companies, is asking for a federal court order that would block WesternGeco from making, selling or using its Q-Marine system and components along with monetary damages. The lawsuit says the equipment violates Ion's patent.

Ion said it filed the lawsuit after attempts to negotiate a license arrangement failed and WesternGeco filed a lawsuit against Ion after the patent to Ion was issued.

Ion says the lawsuit filed by WesternGeco is an illegal attempt to restrict competition in the market for marine seismic surveys performed using laterally steerable streamers.

A message seeking comment was left with WesternGeco, the seismic arm for oilfield services provider Schlumberger Ltd. of Houston.

Ion filed its suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.