“Microsoft Corp., the world’s largest software maker, began arguing its U.S. trade case that Android- based smartphones made by Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. use technology derived from Microsoft inventions,” Susan Decker reports for Bloomberg.
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“In a trial that began today before the International Trade Commission in Washington, Microsoft accused Motorola Mobility of infringing seven of its patents and requested a halt to imports of certain Motorola phones. The ITC has the power to stop imports of products that violate U.S. patent rights,” Decker reports. “‘We have a responsibility to our employees, customers, partners and shareholders to safeguard our intellectual property,’ David Howard, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and deputy general counsel for litigation, said in an e-mail. ‘Motorola is infringing our patents and we are confident that the ITC will rule in our favor.'”
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Decker reports, “Cases brought by Microsoft and Cupertino, California-based Apple are targeting devices that run on Android. Microsoft, which contends all Android devices use its technology, also has a case against Barnes & Noble Inc., targeting the Nook reader… Microsoft has asked the agency to block imports of Motorola phones including the Droid 2, Droid X, Cliq XT, Devour, Backflip and Charm. Administrative Law Judge Theodore Essex is scheduled to release his findings in the case Nov. 4, and the commission has a target to complete its investigation by March 5, according to information on the agency’s website.”
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