Asks for massive collateral

Apple could take a $2.7 billion hit if it loses one of its patent disputes with Motorola, the company has claimed to a German court. In the case at hand, Motorola is suing Apple over an email sync patent. Apple has not stated a justification for the $2.7 billion figure, but put it forward as the amount the court should require as collateral from Motorola should the latter party win its case.

Bloomberg remarks that German courts will frequently require the winner in a case to post collateral if it wants to enforce a ruling while the other side is appealing. $2.7 billion would therefore be the amount Apple could theoretically lose during that period. In any circumstance, Apple could make use of the collateral in claiming damages if the lawsuit somehow progresses to an appeal stage.

The judge in the case has so far disagreed with Apple's view. "I am not yet entirely sure that amount adequately mirrors the commercial value of this dispute," he states. "The technology isn’t a standard and there are alternative ways to provide the same services."

By Electronista Staff