Microsoft has emerged the victor in the first of two patent trials between the Redmond-based company and Google-owned Motorola.
Motorola was seeking $4 billion per year in royalty payments from Microsoft over use of its wireless and video technology. Microsoft argued that the patents were worth much less at $1 million per year. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle agreed with Microsoft. He set the royalty payment at $1.8 million. Microsoft lauded the decision as one that’s good for consumers.
The second trial between the two companies is scheduled to take place during the summer months, and will determine whether or not Motorola is asking fair and reasonable rates to license its patents
