Microsoft wins short block on Motorola banning Windows, Xbox

01600updated 07:25 pm EDT, Wed April 11, 2012 Microsoft gets reprieve from Motorola ban in US

Microsoft scored an important win in a Seattle courtroom by successfully getting a temporary block on any Motorola bans of its products. The temporary restraining order prevents Motorola from securing a ban on Windows or the Xbox 360 until the court believes it has made a sincere effort to license its H.264 video patents under FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) terms. Microsoft's maneuver both stops anything in the immediate trial and in other lawsuits or trade disputes.The Windows developer has been increasingly vocal in calling Motorola's patent claims unfair. It has argued that Motorola's demand for a 2.25 percent cut on the total device price, such as for a PC, could see Microsoft pay over 100 times more for a license to use Motorola's H.264 patents than it does for numerous other companies combined. Motorola has been demanding the same rate from virtually anyone not already paying it a royalty, including Apple.

Microsoft still faces an important decision in a parallel case in Germany next week and has its own countersuits focused primarily on Android. Unlike Motorola, however, Microsoft has publicly sworn off suing over patents that might be subject to FRAND terms. Although Microsoft's own tactics against Android have been criticized for allegedly using questionable patents to 'punish' companies that don't adopt Windows Phone, its claims have been focused on unique patents more likely to hold up in court.

A more final decision on Motorola's licensing is expected before a formal trial start in November.

By Electronista Staff

printemail(0)

TAGS :  

computers, industry, software, Microsoft, Android, Motorola, lawsuits, Xbox 360, Windows 7

Share the Article

FacebookTwitterDeliousSlash DotDiggRelated ArticlesMicrosoft asks US court to block Motorola injunctionEU starts two investgations vs. Motorola over patent abuseMicrosoft denies rumors of Xbox unveiling at E3 2012Xbox 360's Comcast, HBO Go streaming switches on TuesdayITC to review decision Motorola violated Microsoft patentsMicrosoft cuts German link in protest over MotorolaMicrosoft kicks out Special Edition Chrome Xbox 360 gamepadsRecent ArticlesApple patents ultrasonic bonding process for earbudsSprint Galaxy Nexus leaks for April 22, same as Viper 4G LTEBoeing making locked-down Android phone for governmentFusion-io ioFX intros 420GB PCIe-based SSD for pro editorsPaper for iPad tops 1.5m downloads, 7m pages in two weeksNokia pushes promised Belle FP1 with faster chip clockingRIM launches BlackBerry webisodes to shed stodgy imageParts of Microsoft software roadmap leak onlineLawsuit tries to collect from Apple, HTC, RIM on basic touchSony SmartWatch reaches USNest rejects Honeywell claims, takes on ex-Apple counsel

Other Articles

toggle

Previous Comments

Login Here

OR

Login with FacebookFB.init("3d004db533591f5e4f35d64f1d7bb75c", "/connect/xd_receiver.htm");

Not a member of the MacNN forums? Register now for free.

Recently Commented ArticlesIntel now shipping second-gen Thunderbolt controllers (1 comment)Lawsuit tries to collect from Apple, HTC, RIM on basic touch (6 comments)Nest rejects Honeywell claims, takes on ex-Apple counsel (3 comments)Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 delay due to revisions (2 comments)Related Forum Posts  

View the Original article