Oracle can't appeal SAP order right away

Oracle can't appeal an order slashing its $US1.3 billion copyright infringement verdict against SAP until it decides whether it will reject a lower damages award, a US judge ruled on Friday.

A Northern California jury determined that Oracle should be paid $US1.3 billion over accusations SAP subsidiary TomorrowNow wrongfully downloaded millions of Oracle files.

However, US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton last year found that Oracle had proven actual damages of only $US272 million.

Hamilton said Oracle could accept a $US272 million award or opt for a new trial against SAP.

Oracle sought to immediately appeal Hamilton's order, but Hamilton in an order on Friday denied the request.

If Oracle rejects the $US272 million award, Oracle could proceed with a new trial against SAP, and then appeal after that, she ruled.

(Reporting by Dan Levine, editing by Mark Porter)