Blackberry maker Research in Motion must have incorporated on Friday the 13th because they seem to continually be in the spotlight for patent infringement problems. This time it isn’t NTP but Visto who wants (take a wild guess) an injunction and monetary damages.

Here is a quote from Tom Keating’s blog.

"Friday’s sweeping decision against Seven Networks validates our claims that Visto’s intellectual property serves as the basis for this industry’s birth," said Brian Bogosian, Visto’s Chairman, President and CEO. "There was no ambiguity in the jury’s decision.  Likewise we believe that RIM’s infringement of Visto’s technology will be halted.  Our case against RIM is based on similar technology, law and patents as the case we have just won in federal court against Seven Networks."

Perhaps RIM is just a victim of its own success. I suppose the industry figures if you can’t beat them, sue them.

All I can say is I hope this time the media (including TMCnet) doesn’t get so wrapped up in this story we forget to cover all the other important news. There should be some limit on how much of a spotlight one company can steal. Wasn’t it Donald Trump who said there is no such thing as bad publicity? Is it possible that one of the losers from The Apprentice is now managing Research in Motion public relations?

I will check into it and get back to you. In the mean time, if you are a Canadian Ferrari dealer, it is going to be another good year. Expert the RIM lawyers to be buying ever more Ferraris for their mistresses, wives, and kids for some years to come.

 

It is certainly a good time to be a patent attorney working for Research in Motion.