BlackBerry users sigh with relief

The long-running patent case between NTP and Research In Motion (RIM) has been settled, with RIM making a one-off payment of $612.5 million to NTP.

In return NTP has granted RIM a license, which will enable RIM to continue its BlackBerry-related wireless business.

The case involved claims from NTP that RIM used patented software in its flagship BlackBerry device, which could have resulted in the BlackBerry's closure in the US.

Donald E. Stout, NTP's co-founder, said, "We are pleased to have reached an amicable settlement with RIM. We believe that the settlement is in the best interests of all parties, including the US Government and all other BlackBerry users in the United States.

"We remain grateful to the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia for its time and consideration. NTP is pleased that the issue has been resolved and looks forward to enhancing its businesses," added Stout.

Paul Devinsky, partner at law firm McDermott Will & Emery, said: "This settlement is not unexpected. Judge Spencer's insistence that he would soon issue a judgment and his impatience that an agreement had not yet been made were clear indicators that the parties needed to come to a business resolution."

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