ITC issues preliminary ruling, finds Microsoft's Xbox 360 infringes on Motorola patents

Potential bad news to start out the week for Microsofties: a judge from the US International Trade Commission has issued a preliminary ruling that finds that five of Microsoft's Xbox 360 patents infringe on those of Motorola's. While the decision is by no means final -- which means that the Redmond outfit could ultimately prevail -- a permanent ruling would force Microsoft's hand to seek proper licenses for the technologies, most of which relate to H.264 video encoding. Now it goes back to the lawyers to present their case in front of a panel of ITC judges. Who wants to make bets on the outcome?

ITC issues preliminary ruling, finds Microsoft's Xbox 360 infringes on Motorola patents originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.