OTTAWA - Wi-LAN Inc. (TSX:WIN.TO - News) says it has launched legal action against Toshiba, claiming the Japanese electronics giant has infringed on two patents related to digital TV and display technology.

The patent infringement suit was filed by the Ottawa-based patent house in a U.S. district court in Florida, Wi-LAN announced Tuesday.

Wi-LAN's claims against Toshiba haven't been tested in court.

Patents provide the legal right to use specified technologies and litigation over alleged patent infringements is common in information technology industries.

The Ottawa-based company specializes in licensing the rights to patents in its portfolio, through royalty payments from companies that use the protected technology in their products and services.