While Motorola holds some very lucrative patents for the tech industry, it is still not immune to allegations of patent infringement itself. Now, Microsoft has been able to score a victory against Motorola over alleged patent infringement in some of its devices. As a result, ITC has banned the devices in question from entering U.S.
The point which proved decisive in the case was that Motorola was found to be infringing one of Microsoft’s patents with the use of meeting requests and their scheduling in its software. Consequently, the devices that currently contain this bit of software have been banned. However, Motorola may be able to have the ban removed by removing the patent-related portion from the devices.
The ruling, naturally, comes as a disappointment for the company which has only recently been acquired by Google. In its official statement, it said, “Microsoft started its ITC investigation asserting nine patents against Motorola Mobility. Although we are disappointed by the Commission’s ruling that certain Motorola Mobility products violated one patent, we look forward to reading the full opinion to understand its reasoning…. We will explore all options including appeal.”
The devices which currently make use of the patented technology claimed by Microsoft include a number of Android phones from Motorola as well as Xoom tablets. Microsoft had alleged that the devices infringed on its ActiveSync technology, a claim that has now been confirmed to be correct by International Trade Commission.
Microsoft is obviously very happy with the ruling as is obvious in the words of Microsoft’s deputy general counsel, “We’re pleased the full Commission agreed that Motorola has infringed Microsoft’s intellectual property, and we hope that now Motorola will be willing to join the vast majority of Android device makers selling phones in the US by taking a license to our patents.”
Source: CNET
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