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Nokia and Microsoft shared 1,200 patents with a notorious patent troll MOSAID

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and partner Nokia Oyj. (OMX:NOK1V) are under fire for transferring 1,200 patents to MOSAID, a so-called "patent troll" (a company that does not produce product, but which subsists off junk lawsuits).  MOSAID is reportedly targeting Google Inc. (GOOG) with patent litigation.

Nokia spokesperson Mark Durrant in a comment to Reuters defended his company's track record.  He accuses some Android devices of "significant (intellectual property) infringement issues."

And he adds, "Though we have not yet seen the complaint, Google's suggestion that Nokia and Microsoft are colluding on intellectual property rights is wrong.  Both companies have their own intellectual property rights portfolios and strategies and operate independently."

Nokia sign

Nokia arguably started the global patent war by suing Apple, Inc. (AAPL) and Android phonemaker HTC Corp. (TPE:2498) (among others) for patent infringement.  Its efforts were highly successful accounting for €500M (~$618M USD) in licensing fee earnings per year.

Apple and Microsoft have since taken the torch from Nokia, targeting Google and its partners with similar lawsuits.

Microsoft has long been implicated, at least peripherally, in accusations of patent trolling.  Its former chief technology officer (CTO), Nathan Myrhvold went on to found Intellectual Ventures, a firm some have called the biggest patent troll in existence today.

Source: Reuters


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RE: Easy fix
By Solandri on 6/2/2012 1:38:56 PM , Rating: 4
Well I wouldn't invalidate the patent, but I'd just limit the award for a successful patent infringement lawsuit to damages (or 3x damages if you insist). If you make no competing product, you suffer no damages, and thus your max award is $0.

That would force you to either use your patent, or sell it to someone who will. None of this lurking under the bridge and collecting a toll from anyone trying to cross - classic troll behavior.


RE: Easy fix
By bug77 on 6/2/2012 6:22:26 PM , Rating: 2
When I said "invalidate" I meant make it public domain. Either way, it appears we have provided two solution just by brainstorming a little on DT. Makes you wonder why is this so hard for those that are actually supposed to fix this.


RE: Easy fix
By FaaR on 6/2/2012 6:49:00 PM , Rating: 2
Nice idea, but it wouldn't fix a company claiming they suffered umpteen bajillion in damages from a patent on say, beveled corners on the protective glass over the graphical display, or something equally trivial.

Also, since your idea's a nice, sensible idea, it'll never go through. The patent lawyer lobbyists would send hitmen at you for even suggesting it, should your idea look like it might start to catch on, not to mention what the patent trolls themselves would do... ;)


RE: Easy fix
By foolsgambit11 on 6/2/2012 7:33:05 PM , Rating: 2
Sorry, but I hold a patent on a "System of Patent Enforcement Whereby Infringement Is Punished in Proportion to Damages Only." Governments will have to license this patent if they wish to use this method.


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