Microsoft, Intel split on BlackBerry spat

Iria · Sep 3, 2005, 06:23 AM

Microsoft and Intel are taking opposing sides in a long-running patent dispute involving the BlackBerry handheld, a case that threatens U.S. sales of the wireless e-mail device.

Friend-of-the-court briefs filed last week by both companies and reviewed by CNET News.com reveal that Microsoft wants the courts to re-evaluate a 2002 district court decision that found BlackBerry maker Research In Motion infringed patents owned by Virginia-based patent holder NTP.

RIM's BlackBerry devices and messaging service allow wireless always-on access to e-mail and corporate data on portable devices. NTP claims that RIM violates its patents covering the use of radio frequency wireless communications in e-mail systems.

Microsoft, which competes with RIM's software products, claims the NTP case establishes a rule where U.S. patents should not, for legal purposes, extend outside the country's borders. That contradicts court statements made during Microsoft's own legal tussles with Eolas and AT&T, the company said.
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Read More / Source: News.com

Sep 3, 2005, 06:23 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	Microsoft, Intel split on BlackBerry spat Microsoft and Intel are taking opposing sides in a long-running patent dispute involving the BlackBerry handheld, a case that threatens U.S. sales of the wireless e-mail device. Friend-of-the-court briefs filed last week by both companies and reviewed by CNET News.com reveal that Microsoft wants the courts to re-evaluate a 2002 district court decision that found BlackBerry maker Research In Motion infringed patents owned by Virginia-based patent holder NTP. RIM's BlackBerry devices and messaging service allow wireless always-on access to e-mail and corporate data on portable devices. NTP claims that RIM violates its patents covering the use of radio frequency wireless communications in e-mail systems. Microsoft, which competes with RIM's software products, claims the NTP case establishes a rule where U.S. patents should not, for legal purposes, extend outside the country's borders. That contradicts court statements made during Microsoft's own legal tussles with Eolas and AT&T, the company said. __________ Read More / Source: News.com