ITC maintains original ruling on Kodak innocence

The US International Trade Commission on Monday upheld an earlier ruling that said Kodak didn't violate Apple patents. Officials reached the decision sooner than the original September 19 deadline. Details of the ruling were still forthcoming but rejected the idea that Kodak's camera and imaging technology borrowed from Apple.

The verdict could lead to a wash in a dispute between the companies. The ITC had already tossed some Kodak claims against Apple and sent the ruling back to a judge rather than commit to a final ruling. Kodak has the upper hand but has lost some of the definitive arguments it had earlier.

Kodak started the complaints as part of a systematic attempt to make a business off of lawsuits and royalties. After failing to keep its lead in photography through the transition to digital, Kodak began using lawsuits and royalties as alternatives to competing equally in the marketplace. Most of its lineup is now budget-focused where Canon, Nikon, Olympus and others have captured the higher end.

By Electronista Staff