Microsoft-Motorola trial ends first phase, with judge to set fair royalty rate

November 21, 2012

Phase one of a patent trial between Microsoft and Motorola Mobility has concluded in Washington state, and the presiding judge will now try to calculate what he thinks is a fair royalty rate for Motorola's patents. The trial started last Tuesday and has seen the two sides arguing over what would be a fair price for the use of Motorola patents that are essential to the 802.11 wireless LAN and H.264 video standards. Because the two sides couldn't agree on a price, the judge heard evidence and expert testimony at trial to help him calculate it for them. The outcome could have implications for other disputes involving so-called standards-essential patents. When companies agree to have their patented technology incorporated into a standard, they're required to license the technology to others on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2015542/microsoftmotorola-trial-ends-first-phase-with-judge-to-set-fair-royalty-rate.html