A federal judge has overturned a court judgment against Microsoft in a patent dispute that would have cost the company $388 million. The federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Microsoft did not infringe on a patent held by anti-piracy software maker Uniloc Inc. U.S. District Judge William Smith's decision nullifies the $388 million Microsoft would have had to pay in damages.
It would have been one of the largest damages awarded in a civil patent case in history. "We are pleased that the court has vacated the jury verdict and entered judgment in favor of Microsoft," said Kevin Kutz, a Microsoft spokesman.
The case stretches back to 2003, when the Singapore-based Uniloc USA parent filed a lawsuit against the Redmond giant over security software it was using to prevent unlicensed use of Windows XP and Office software. In April of this year, a jury found in favor of Uniloc, and Microsoft appealed the verdict.
The case stretches back to 2003, when the Singapore-based Uniloc USA parent filed a lawsuit against the Redmond giant over security software it was using to prevent unlicensed use of Windows XP and Office software. In April of this year, a jury found in favor of Uniloc, and Microsoft appealed the verdict.
