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RIM Stuck With $147.2 Million Patent Verdict to Mformation

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 08:46 PM PDT

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Mformation was awarded a patent lawsuit verdict against RIM late this week to the tune of $8 for each BlackBerry using Mformation's patent in the US. RIM supposedly has well over a year before they have to pay and they are still considering appeals or contesting the decision. The $8 per device is pretty high especially for patent decisions. The patent in question is not mentioned by TheStar but it does have to do with BlackBerry Enterprise Software. Mformation claims it told RIM about the technology in licensing talks and then RIM used it without licensing it.

Here is what RIM had to say in their press release:

Research In Motion Receives Verdict in Patent Case Brought by Mformation

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, Jul 14, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Research In Motion Limited (RIM), a world leader in the mobile communications market, yesterday learned that a jury returned a verdict against RIM in the amount of $147.2 million (USD) in an action brought by Mformation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. RIM is disappointed by the outcome and is evaluating all legal options. Additionally, the trial judge has yet to decide certain legal issues that might impact the verdict. RIM will await those rulings before deciding whether to pursue an appeal.

RIM has worked hard for many years to independently develop its leading-edge BlackBerry technology and industry-leading intellectual property portfolio, and RIM does not believe that the Mformation patent in question is valid.

I am sure we will be hearing more about this come Monday. Thanks RedNightHawk for the heads up!