ITC sides with Microsoft, orders Motorola import ban
updated 08:25 pm EDT, Fri May 18, 2012
Legal battle focuses on ActiveSync tech
Microsoft has won an International Trade Commission ruling that may result in an import ban on several Motorola devices. The companies are involved in several separate intellectual-property disputes, though the latest ITC ruling focuses on a lawsuit filed by Microsoft over patented Exchange ActiveSync technology.
The ITC late last year found that 18 Motorola devices, including the Droid smartphone and Xoom tablet, infringe the patent in question. Motorola disputed the ruling and the ITC agreed to review the case, however the agency has made a "final determination" regarding the violation and determined that an import ban represents the "appropriate form of relief."
In a separate lawsuit filed by Motorola, the ITC recently ruled in the Illinois-based company's favor and made a preliminary decision that may result in a sales ban for Windows 7 devices and Xbox 360 consoles in the German market. The case, which centers around H.264 video patents, has yet to pass through all stages of the legal process.
It is unlikely that the import restrictions on Motorola devices will have a significant impact on the company's sales, as the of affected devices is mostly composed of discontinued models. In a statement posted by Ars Technica, Microsoft nonetheless suggested the decision may push Motorola to "join the vast majority of Android device makers selling phones in the US by taking a license to our patents."
A follow-up statement from Motorola expressed disappointment over the ruling, however the company's legal team is said to be exploring "all options including appeal."
