Motorola also vigorously asserted that its C115 mobile handset is safe, citing certifications by Russian Federation authorities, the World Health Organization and the European Union. These certificates were shared with the news media.

“Our total commitment to safety, customer satisfaction and innovation is reflected in Motorola’s market leadership in mobile telephones in Russia and around the world,” said Motorola Corporate Vice President Greg Estell. “Any suggestion that Motorola products sold in Russia are not completely safe, or have not received official state safety certifications, is absolutely false.”

Senior Russian authorities, Parliamentary and industry leaders have expressed their support for Motorola. The company said it would continue close cooperation with government and industry, and would at the same time independently and actively defend its reputation and the confidence of its customers. Sergey Kozlov, Motorola Russia Country Manager, said, “We are extremely encouraged by what we are hearing from the Government – this is an issue they are taking very seriously.”

Senior Motorola officials were joined at a press conference in Moscow today by Alexander Onischuk, President of RATEK, the Russian industry association, who said, “We are extremely concerned about the actions and strange, inconsistent allegations against Motorola. This is an issue that affects the entire industry – from local retailers to foreign investors to Russian innovation technology firms. We are afraid that the moves against Motorola are not aimed at making the Russian market legal and transparent but at the wrongful seizure of property.”

“Russia is extremely important to Motorola and we are very committed to being here. We are deeply frustrated that today we are discussing false allegations, rather than talking about the very positive technology and financial investments that Motorola brings to Russia,” said Greg Estell.

Scott Offer, Corporate Vice President and Senior Legal Counsel at Motorola, said, “The patent infringement claim is attempted extortion. This is an issue for the entire industry, because such abusive practice threatens all IP rights holders and their customers in Russia.”

Offer added, “We will also be suing RUS GPS and certain individuals for the damage done to our reputation.”

“These are the first but certainly not the last of the actions Motorola will be taking in the coming weeks. Let me be absolutely clear, Motorola will take all necessary actions to protect its reputation and the confidence of our customers,” concluded Greg Estell.