Fergie's Tech Blog

Microsoft and Cisco Back Resistance to 'Obvious' Patents

Via OUT-LAW.com.

The US Supreme Court will rule on one of the most controversial aspects of patent law, 'obviousness'. Though the case involves car accelerator pedal technology, Microsoft and Cisco are backing one side of the case, which could set a vital precedent.

US firm Teleflex has accused KSR International of infringing its pedal technology, but KSR has argued that Teleflex's patent claims are invalid because the inventions are 'obvious'. That argument was initially supported by the courts, then reversed on appeal. The Supreme Court will now make a further judgment on the contentious issue of 'obviousness'.

Patents are vital to technology companies, and Microsoft and Cisco are backing KSR's case that patents are sometimes granted too leniently. The companies have filed a brief with the court in support of KSR.

posted by Fergie @ 6/28/2006 08:30:00 AM