Motorola warns of patent battle consequences

Motorola has warned that costs incurred over patents disputes with Apple could hit its bottom line. The company said it would continue to fight for its patents, and offer access under license agreements, but warned that the legal battles could prove costly. “In our rapidly evolving and highly competitive industry, companies invest heavily in developing and acquiring intellectual property rights to seek incremental advantages in the marketplace," Motorola said in a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission. "Such companies also vigorously pursue and protect their intellectual property rights with patent litigation.” “Such patent litigation could also result in increased costs for the company associated with damages, development of non-infringing products, licenses to the subject intellectual property or, when applicable, difficulties seeking indemnification from suppliers,” the company added. Motorola added Apple had made another complaint to the European Commission regarding the dispute, claiming Motorola was abusing standards essential patents that restricted competition. “Apple regarded the enforcement of Motorola's standards-essential patents against Apple [as] allegedly in breach of Motorola's FRAND commitments," the company said. "Apple’s complaint seeks the Commission’s intervention with respect to standards-essential patents." From: PCpro