The federal appeals court has ruled that while Microsoft did infringe an Alcatel-Lucent patent, a fine of $358 million imposed on it was too stiff.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the case concerned a calendar function in Microsoft Outlook – Microsoft not only said the patent was invalid but that the fine was way too hefty.
Microsoft had said that it need only pay $6.5 million for the infringement, and even Alcatel-Lucent agreed that the fine was large.
The appeals court said that the fine needed to be re-evaluated and that a trial on damages will be needed.
The Wall Street Journal story is here – subscription needed.
