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NTP Sues Palm, Alleging Patent Violation

mikesd81 writes "The Seattle Time reports that NTP is now going after Palm for patent infringement on technology used in their devices. The suit asks the court to bar Palm from continuing to infringe on NTP's patents and seeks monetary damages for the alleged past infringements. At issues are eleven patents, dating from 1995 to 2001, according to the lawsuit. Five of the patents were part of NTP's lawsuit against RIM. The Palm complaint also centers on products, services and systems that integrate e-mail systems with wireless communications, including the Treo, Palm VII, Palm i700 and Tungsten products." You may recall NTP from the just-finished Blackberry case. Good to know they're staying busy.

9 of 121 comments (clear)

  1. That's why I set my clock manually... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just as I thought... NTP is an evilcompany (tm) that wants to hurt me personally.
    Although I have two palms (and two hands, two arms, etc), I don't like the fact that the Network Time Protocol has suddenly gone through the Intarweb tubes to the lawyers and is taking legal action against parts of my body.
    What's next? HTTP suing my big toe? Telnet suing my liver? When will it all end?!? Ohh the humanity...

    TDz.

    1. Re:That's why I set my clock manually... by Guppy06 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Would you rather Network Time Protocol palmed Sue?

  2. NTP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    What products does NTP make? I was thinking of performing a boycott of what seems to be an overly-litigious company, but can't find any targets.

    1. Re:NTP by Ilex · · Score: 2, Funny

      What products does NTP make? I was thinking of performing a boycott of what seems to be an overly-litigious company, but can't find any targets.


      Sadly their products are lawsuits.

      Pity there isn't a way to boycott those :(
  3. Only the even ones? by fitten · · Score: 4, Funny
    At issues is even patents, dating from 1995 to 2001, according to the lawsuit.


    The even ones? How many is that?
  4. Re:Dear NTP by Macthorpe · · Score: 3, Funny

    Can someone point out to the moderator that there is a difference between "insightful" and "inciteful"?

    Thanks!

    --
    "It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him." - Tolkien
  5. Great, Another Lawsuit by CrankyFool · · Score: 4, Funny

    I hope the judge doesn't give them the time of day!

  6. Re:huh? by Odin's+Raven · · Score: 4, Funny
    I'm so confused. Why would a protocol sue anyone?

    NTP just thought the time seemed right.

    --
    A marriage is always made up of two people who are prepared to swear that only the other one snores.
  7. An open letter to NTP... by pr0digy25 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Dear NTP,

    Palm is a company dedicated to innovation and a fair marketplace, and as such would like to offer a conditional out of court settlement in this matter.

    The conditions of the offer are as follows:

    1. NTP issues a public statement withdrawing it's claims of patent infringement against Palm.

    2. Agree that this settlement will indemnify Palm, it's directors and any third-parties licensing our technology against future claims.

    3. This agreement by bound by the laws of the State of California.

    4. This agreement remains strictly confidential. Any breach of the secrecy of this agreement will result in litigation by jury trial in the above-noted jurisdiction.

    5. Payment of past licensing fees to NTP will be in full and must be requisitioned from our affiliate bank in the "Triangle of Death" of the democratic country of Iraq.

    6. Funds will only be relinquished to a member of your Board of Directors or Senior Management Team.

    7. Our bankers are heavily armed, but we assure you this is for YOUR protection.

    I hope you find this agreement to your satisfaction and this matter can be put to rest.

    Sincerely,



    Palm