Toronto’s i4i has filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court as part of its ongoing patent infringement lawsuit against Microsoft Corp.
In the brief, i4i outlines why it believes the trial judge and the court of appeals correctly ruled in i4i’s favour. It also rejects Microsoft’s request to lower the standard of proof and challenges to the validity of a properly issued patent.
If Microsoft’s arguments were accepted, said i4i, it would have the consequence of discouraging innovation by weakening patent rights, unfairly upsetting settled expectations, and marginalizing the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
“We continue to be confident that i4i will prevail,” said i4i chairman Loudon Owen in a statement. “Our position from the outset has been clear – this attack on patent holders and the adverse implications from the change proposed by Microsoft are unprecedented and would deal a devastating blow to any U.S. patent holder, large or small. The proposed change would dramatically hurt employment growth in any industry where new technology and invention is important – maintaining the existing law is vital for continuing innovation and job creation.”
Oral argument before the Supreme Court will take place on April 18. A decision from the Court is expected by the end of June.
Background:
Microsoft takes Toronto’s i4i to the U.S. Supreme Court
Appeals court again sides with i4i over Microsoft in Word case
Microsoft calls Toronto firm’s patent claims a ‘distorted’, ‘breathless tale’
Microsoft appeals Word ruling, asks for stay
Microsoft Word ban takes Canadian partners by surprise
Toronto company wins court injunction banning U.S. sales of Microsoft Word