Last month Research In Motion was ordered to pay $147.2 million dollars in damages for infringing a mobile device management patent held by US-based Mformation Technologies. RIM’s BlackBerry Enterprise Server was said to have infringed the patent, which enables companies to update devices ‘over the air’.
However, the judge has now determined that RIM had not infringed on Mformation’s patent, effectively overturning the verdict. RIM is no longer required to make any payment to Mformation, although Mformation has the right to appeal. Any successful appeal would lead to a new trial.
Steve Zipperstein, RIM’s Chief Legal Officer, said “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.”