James Delahunty
9 Mar 2012 21:10
Apple told it cannot pursue infringement claims, for now.
The iPad-maker had brought a case against Eastman Kodak Co. for alleged patent infringement relating to a Kodak patent that lets consumers preview digital photographs on an LCD screen. On Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Allan Gropper said it would be inappropriate to allow Apple to continue pursuing patent infringement claims against Kodak, since the photography giant is in bankruptcy.
He also denied a request from Apple to file a new patent infringement lawsuit against Kodak over more patents.
Apple had sought to lift a stay freezing a patent lawsuit pending in a federal court in Rochester, New York. The Judge denied the request, but conceded that the case needs to be resolved soon, but not in a way that interferes with Kodak's efforts to sell its patent portfolio.
"I would request that the parties report to me on their efforts to come up with a procedure that truly works," he said.
Apple has been accused by Kodak of attempting to slow the patent sale process, which is vital for Kodak.