Back on October 31st it had come to light that Samsung was filing a counterclaim lawsuit against Microsoft in response to their own lawsuit against Samsung for allegedly infringing on some of Microsoft’s patents, and failing to pay royalties that both companies had apparently agreed upon in light of the alleged infringements. The agreement also had reportedly included the sharing of information about technologies between both companies. Samsung’s counterclaim would attempt to debunk Microsoft’s U.S. lawsuit over the matter stating that, had they continued to share sensitive information with Microsoft after the acquisition of the Nokia hardware division, that it could spell out trouble for Samsung since Microsoft was now technically a direct competitor to them, even though Antitrust regulators had approved the acquisition. Samsung had also recently filed to put the patent lawsuit case on hold due to their desire to have the proceedings held in Hong Kong.
Today we’re learning that Samsung’s attempt to put Microsoft’s lawsuit on ice has failed, and that the case will proceed as planned per the decision of U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff. Although the decision has been made and the lawsuit between Microsoft and Samsung will continue on schedule in New York without delays, Rakoff hadn’t given any reasons to Samsung as to why it was decide to deny them the possibility of putting the case on hold, but also that a reason would be given in a subsequent proceeding.
Samsung’s alleged debt of $6.9 million in interest from the original amount of the royalty payments is no small sum, and one that Samsung surely doesn’t want to pay. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Software patents benefit no one but the lawyers. Even if either company involved comes out with a wad of cash from the case, a large percentage of that money most likely goes to the lawyers, so in the end really, both companies lose. All that ends up happening is two companies who could be innovating new technology for consumers are locked in court battles for months on end when their time and resources could be put to better use. Microsoft is of course happy with the decision to keep the case going in the state of New York where it’s currently being held.