In the world of corporate lawsuits, a key weapon is an injunction preventing a competitor from selling a product. Money is nice, but keeping product off the shelves is better.
That’s important in news reports that Motorola Mobility has lost its bid to get a U.S. court to order an injunction against Microsoft to meet claims that Motorola patents are being violated. It means that Motorola may win money at the end of the day, but a key weapon has been taken out of its hand.
It’s a tricky area of law that involves the Google Android mobile operating system, and we have two reports that try to shed light on the impact.
According to ComputerWorld U.S., the dispute surrounds Wi-Fi and video compression patents that Microsoft says entitles it to an accepted reasonable and non-discriminatory (RAND) license agreement.
Ars Technica reports that Motorola argued RAND rules shouldn’t apply, an arguement the judge dismissed.
Is this just a fight between the two companies: No. It’s about the Android OS in Motorola cellphones and how much compensation Motorola should pay for certain technology. The judge’s ruling, argues Ars Technica reporter Joe Mullin, is a blow to the Android camp.
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