Group appeals earlier court decision

SCO Group has filed an appeal in a last-ditch effort to revive the legal battle over Unix patents. The latest move arrives after seven years of unsuccessful litigation, which culminated in the jury verdict and final judgment against SCO in the US District Court for the District of Utah. Judge Ted Stewart attempted to close the case, however the judgement left room for an appeal.

The jury sided with Novell in the case, agreeing that SCO does not own Unix copyrights and cannot force other companies to pay licensing fees on related technology such as Linux. SCO had filed separate lawsuits, also unsuccessful, against IBM and Sequent.

SCO has asked the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to review all aspects of the rulings, including the recent judgement and earlier jury verdict. The company's attorneys alternatively ask for a new trial. It is unclear if the 10th Circuit Court will grant or reject the request. [via Groklaw]

By Electronista Staff