TP-Link Sues Netgear Over Alleged Smear Campaign and Security Claims
TP-Link has filed a lawsuit against competing router manufacturer Netgear, accusing it of carrying out a “smear campaign” designed to portray TP-Link as a national security risk in the United States.
The legal action comes as the Trump administration weighs whether to restrict TP-Link products over alleged connections to China and concerns that Chinese authorities could pressure the company or use its devices for surveillance. TP-Link counters that it separated from its China-based parent last year and now operates out of Irvine, California.
In the lawsuit, filed Monday, TP-Link alleges that Netgear has been privately spreading misleading information to reporters, analysts, consultants, and government officials while pushing the US government to take action against the company. According to the complaint, this conduct threatens more than a billion dollars in TP-Link’s sales.
The filing does not offer extensive proof that Netgear distributed misinformation to policymakers or media figures, though it names former NSA cybersecurity lead Rob Joyce and former New York Times journalist Nicole Perlroth. Instead, TP-Link highlights several earnings-call remarks from Netgear CEO Charles “CJ” Prober, including references to a Bloomberg report that questioned how fully TP-Link had separated from its Chinese predecessor and noted its continued reliance on R&D operations in China.
Although some of Prober’s comments appeared to directly address investor questions, TP-Link argues they were part of a pattern of false statements. The company also claims Netgear breached a 2024 patent-settlement agreement between the two parties that bars either company from making derogatory claims about the other.
Netgear responded to the litigation in a statement to PCMag, saying it was aware of the complaint but viewed the accusations as baseless, adding that it would address them “through the appropriate legal channels.” The company emphasized its focus on innovation, security, and customer service.
TP-Link is asking the court to order Netgear to surrender profits tied to the alleged conduct and to impose injunctive relief to halt any further disparagement.
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