RIM Facing $147.2 Million Patent Verdict

An anonymous reader writes "Reuters reports that beleaguered wireless device maker Research In Motion is on the losing end of a patent suit that will cost them $147.2 million. The jury arrived at that number by assigning an $8 royalty for every BlackBerry connected to RIM's enterprise server software. Unsurprisingly, RIM intends to appeal the decision. 'Mformation sued RIM in 2008, bringing claims on a patent for a process that remotely manages a wireless device over a wireless network, a court filing says. According to its web site, Mformation helps corporations manage their smart phone inventory. The company also says it helps telecoms operators, such as AT&T and Sprint, with remote fixes and upgrades for users' gadgets. RIM argued that Mformation's patent claims are invalid because the processes were already being used when Mformation filed its patent application.'"

kick them while they're down

[magsk]

Out of curiosity where would this patent plaintiff stand in order of having access to RIM assets if they where to file for bankruptcy? Assuming that RIM goes bankrupt tomorrow so before a new trial begins etc. I hope they are at the end of the line.

Obvious is obvious

[tomhath]

claims on a patent for a process that remotely manages a wireless device over a wireless network

How else are you going to manage a wireless device? If this isn't a ridiculous patent there is none.

Re:kick them while they're down

[magsk]

I dont know why i got flaimbait, I was genuine in my question. Especially since it was hypothetical. If a company goes bankrupt after being sued and losing, where does that plaintiff stand in order of having rights to the bankrupt companies assets?