Motorola wins Xbox patent ruling

[Adrean]

U.S. International Trade Commission judge finds that Microsoft infringed on some of Motorola's patents with its gaming console.

Motorola Mobility has won a patent ruling in its attempt to block Microsoft from importing Xbox game consoles.

U.S. International Trade Commission Judge David Shaw found today that Microsoft was infringing on some of Motorola's patent rights, according to a Bloomberg report. The entire six-member trade commission, which has the power to block imports found to infringe on U.S. patents, is expected to review the decision and issue a statement in August.

Microsoft said in a statement that it was confident it would prevail in the matter.

"Today's recommendation by the Administrative Law Judge is the first step in the process leading to the Commission's final ruling," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "We remain confident the Commission will ultimately rule in Microsoft's favor in this case and that Motorola will be held to its promise to make its standard essential patents available on fair and reasonable terms."

The ruling is just the latest episode in the Microsoft vs. Motorola patent battle, which has been going on for the past couple of years. A U.S. district court judge last month granted Microsoft an injunction and temporary restraining order, preventing Motorola from blocking imports of Microsoft in Germany until after the U.S. courts have made a decision about whether Motorola is breaching its promise to provide use of its video patents at a reasonable rate.

Microsoft sued Motorola in November 2010 over wireless and video coding patents that that are used by the Xbox and smartphones. Microsoft claimed that Motorola is charging excessive royalties for its patents. Motorola retaliated with its own countersuit, claiming infringement of 16 of its patents by Microsoft's PC and server software, Windows Mobile and Xbox products. Motorola retaliated with its own countersuit, claiming infringement of 16 of its patents by Microsoft's PC and server software, Windows Mobile and Xbox products.

:view:Original Article: CNET

what's up with these patent wars lol