RIM saga grinds onward

摘要

Research in Motion's high-profile patent troubles in the U.S. may have customers on both sides of the border reconsidering their wireless e-mail options, but according to one analyst, increasing competition in the push e-mail space may be more of a threat to the firm. Research in Motion (RIM) has been embroiled in a patent dispute with NTP, a Virginia patent holding firm, since 2002, when a U.S. court found RIM guilty of infringing on patents held by NTP. The court case could end soon with the judge expected next month to re-impose an injunction that would halt BlackBerry sales in the U.S. However, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has preliminarily rejected seven of the eight patents to date and with a fast-tracked review process, a final decision is expected by mid-February.