Last month we heard that RIM were ordered to pay a total of $147 million in a patent case with Mformation, RIM had been ordered to pay $8 for each unit of its BlackBerry Enterprise Server software that it has sold, and RIM has sold a total of 18.4 million units.
Now it would appear that RIM finally has some good news, as RIM has announced that the patent ruling has been overturned, and they no longer need to pay Mformation the $147 million in damages.
“We appreciate the Judge’s careful consideration of this case. RIM did not infringe on Mformation’s patent and we are pleased with this victory.
The purpose of the patent system is to encourage innovation, but the system is still too often exploited in pursuit of other goals. Many policy makers have already recognized the need to address this problem and we call on others to join them as this case clearly highlights the significant need for continuing policy reform to help reduce the amount of resources wasted on unwarranted patent litigation.”
Mformation can still appeal the ruling, but this will mean a new trial, so it looks like RIM are off the hook for now, although a new jury may award Mformation similar damages if their appeal is successful.
Source The Next Web