BlackBerry maker scores patent victory

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) has emerged victorious in a case over its flagship mobile communications device. 

A London appeals court ruled on Wednesday to uphold a February 2006 decision to invalidate a patent claimed by Luxembourg-based InPro Licensing Sarl for a method of allowing low-power handheld devices to use web-based services. 

The original decision, which was upheld by the appeals court on Wednesday, cited the lack of specific innovation and novelty in the patent, as well as a section in European patent law that excludes computer programs from certain claims.

RIM provided vnunet.com with a statement praising the appeals court ruling. "This decision further validates RIM's longstanding position on the matter," said the company. 

"RIM fully respects intellectual property rights, but it is also fully prepared to defend against actions that lack merit."

The Canadian company is no stranger to legal battles involving the BlackBerry's use of patented technologies.

In March 2006 RIM paid US$612m to settle a patent case with American firm NTP which threatened to shut down the BlackBerry service in the US.

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