Semiconductor firm Qualcomm Inc was mandated by a federal grand jury to pay USD173 million to ParkerVision Inc for the former's infringement of the latter's wireless-network patents utilized in smartphones. As a result of the infringement, ParkerVision's share values and overall enterprise value plunged.
This is considered as the largest patent case jury verdict in 2013 and the ninth largest overall for US jury awards according to Bloomberg compiled data. This award though is less than half of USD432 million sought by ParkerVision in its infringement claim. Shares though have fallen again by 59%, losing all the gain recovered since October 16, the day before the liability verdict was completed in the trial.
The Orlando, FL federal jury dismissed the claim of ParkerVision that the infringement was intentional. If the jury found clear willfulness and intent, then US District Court Judge Roy Dalton, who was presiding the case, would have been able to award three times as much as the jury had awarded on the infringement.
According to Qualcomm spokesperon Christine Trimble, "We are of course disappointed by the award of damages. We are grateful fo the jury's hard work throughout this trial and for this verdict of no willfulness. We will direct our efforts toward addressing the post trial process and preparing our appeal."
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