Acacia’s Patent Case Weakened; Shares Drop 37%

(reg. req.): A federal judge this week weakened the patent-infringement lawsuit filed by the controversial Acacia, which claims key patents on streaming. In a preliminary order issued Monday, a federal court in Los Angeles ruled that several key terms in the patents were indefinite, potentially eliminating most of the claims Acacia brought against the adult sites claiming infringement.

Acacia argues that five of the patents it acquired in 2001 apply to a variety of video-on-demand, online jukebox, distance learning and downloadable entertainment services. Acacia Chairman Paul Ryan stressed that at least six of the company’s claims remain valid, and more could be restored after the judge hears from expert witnesses.

Even if the company winds up with only one valid claim, he said, that’s still enough to win the lawsuit.

Summary of the ruling: The summary of the order and this ruling procedure (called Markman Hearing in legal terms) is here.

PDF of the ruling: () The full 40-page PDF ruling is here….

Some more details on the lawsuit ruling etc in this story: Acacia Says DMT Resolution “Not Close,” License Deals To Continue

For all the news regarding the Acacia case, read our dedicated company page

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