ITC says again that Apple and RIM don't violate Kodak patent

ITC says again that Apple and RIM don't violate Kodak patent

Kodak hasn't caught a break lately, and that trend isn't easing up any time soon with a second rejection arriving in its main International Trade Commission (ITC) patent dispute with Apple and RIM. Despite having had its case remanded after a loss last year, Kodak is once more being told that BlackBerrys and iPhones don't violate a patent on previewing photos. The one violation was rendered moot through "obviousness," according to administrative law judge Thomas Pender. It's still an initial ruling, and Kodak is trying to put a positive light on the situation -- it's "pleased" there's still an infringement, even if the patent claim is invalid -- but the patent wars aren't looking good for a photography company that has already had to give up cameras to have a chance of staying afloat. Most of Kodak's hope, then, will be pinned on a second wave of ITC disputes that might stand a better chance of putting at least Apple's feet to the fire.

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Kodak Receives Notice of Initial Determination in ITC Patent Infringement Action against Apple and Research In Motion

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eastman Kodak Company today announced that it has received notice of the Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) initial determination in the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) action brought by Kodak against Apple Inc. and Research In Motion Limited (RIM). The ALJ concluded that the Apple iPhone 3G and the accused RIM BlackBerry devices infringe Kodak's patent, although his recommendation is that the patent claim is invalid.

The patent at issue (US Patent No. 6,292,218) relates to a technology invented by Kod ak for previewing images on a digital camera-enabled device that is fundamental to how those devices take pictures. In the face of two separate challenges, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office analyzed this particular Kodak patent and confirmed its validity in December 2010. The final decision of the ITC, based on the deliberation of the full Commission, is expected by September 21, 2012.

"We are pleased the ALJ has concluded that Kodak's patent is infringed by Apple and RIM. We expect to appeal to the full Commission his recommendation on validity. The ALJ's recommendation represents a preliminary step in a process that we are confident will conclude in Kodak's favor," said Timothy Lynch, Kodak Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Officer. "In a previous ITC investigation, a different ALJ found this same Kodak patent to be valid and infringed by Samsung, whose products are similar to those offered by Apple and RIM. Kodak has invested billions of dollars to develop its pioneering digital imaging technology, and we intend to protect these valuable assets."

The '218 patent at issue in this case is one of 1,100 digital imaging patents in Kodak's industry-leading patent portfolio. Kodak licenses its technology to numerous leading technology companies, including LG, Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung.

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