TORONTO (Reuters) - Wi-Lan Inc (WIN.TO) has begun litigation against Motorola Inc (MOT.N), Research In Motion (RIM.TO)(RIMM.O), and UTStarcom Inc (UTSI.O), alleging that their mobile handheld devices and other equipment are infringing on Wi-Lan's patents, the company said on Friday.

The Ottawa-based technology and licensing firm said it has initiated litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.

Wi-Lan also said that it has settled its dispute with Marvell Semiconductor Inc in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Wi-Lan has licensed its intellectual property to over 100 companies and has a portfolio of patented inventions in a range of electronics and communications products, the company said.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; editing by Janet Guttsman)