The famous NTP vs. RIM blackberry case really brought the US patent system into the public spotlight. It seems the Rates Technology vs. Google patent suits weren't as shocking because we already became familiar with cases like NTP and Blackberry.

Now it seems the NTP case isn't a slam dunk like many thought it was. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently rejected two NTP wireless e-mail patents a second time. One of these patents is at the center of the NTP Vs RIM case. A final ruling will come from the USPTO in about 6 weeks. Story.