14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft and Primax have settled a patent infringement dispute over the usage of the Redmond company's mouse technology. On July 2008, Microsoft filed intellectual property infringements complaints with the U.S. District Court in Northern California and the International Trade Commission (ITC). At that time, the software giant indicated that it had attempted for several years to ink a licensing agreement with Primax Electronics. Half a year later, both companies welcomed the out-of-court settlement.
“We are very pleased that Primax has chosen to respect Microsoft’s intellectual property and entered into a licensing agreement with Microsoft that puts an end to the pending litigation,” Horacio Gutierrez, vice president and deputy general counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing, Microsoft, revealed.
Back in July, Gutierrez made it clear that it was Microsoft’s last option to go to trial over patent infringement. The Redmond company pointed out at that time that it was debuting legal actions because all additional discussions with Primax had failed. “We are glad to have reached an agreement with Microsoft, and are pleased to be participating in this overall IP licensing program. We look forward to many years of successful collaboration with Microsoft,” Brian Yang, president Information Appliance Division of Primax Electronics, added.
The initial patent infringement legal complains were generated by Primax's unlicensed usage of Microsoft technology with U2 and Tilt Wheel in focus. The two companies inked a non-exclusive licensing agreement, whose terms, including the financial details, were not disclosed.
“Microsoft has a very comprehensive and successful IP licensing program, with well over 500 agreements in place since the company opened up its patent portfolio to licensing in December of 2003, and makes every effort to resolve IP disputes through licensing, minimizing the need for litigation,” Gutierrez explained.
“This particular program around our U2 and Tilt Wheel innovations and technologies, now with more than 30 licensees (manufacturers and retail brands) in the mouse and keyboard industry, is an excellent example of how IP collaboration encourages shared industry success, by allowing licensees to incorporate innovative technologies powered by Microsoft IP into their products, to provide enhanced features to their customers.”