German Judge Rules Microsoft Infringed on Motorola Patents

The Seattle Times: The German judge overseeing the Motorola v. Microsoft patent infringement trial has issued an injunction ordering a sales ban on Windows 7, Xbox 360, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player 12. However, Motorola won’t be able to enforce that injunction because a Seattle court previously granted Microsoft’s request to bar a possible sales ban.

The case centers on standards-related patents for viewing Internet video. Motorola complains that Microsoft has not paid licensing fees it owes. Microsoft counters that Motorola is charging outrageous fees for patents that must be offered on fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory (FRAND) terms.

Microsoft responded to the German ruling, saying, “This is one step in a long process, and we are confident that Motorola will eventually be held to its promise to make its standard essential patents available on fair and reasonable terms for the benefit of consumers who enjoy video on the Web.”