Microsoft loses $106 million patent verdict to VirnetX

A jury in Texas said the patent infringement was willful.

A court in Texas has ordered Microsoft to pay communications software maker VirnetX US$105.75 million after a jury found it guilty of willful infringement of two patents belonging to the company.

In a case that began over two years ago, VirnetX accused Microsoft of infringing the two patents, which are related to communications security, at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

The willful nature of the infringement means Microsoft faced treble damages in the lawsuit, according to court documents. The original complaint was filed by VirnetX on Feb 15, 2007.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to questions about the case.

VirnetX built its patent portfolio from a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency security project, according to the company. It expects Microsoft to appeal the decision.

More about: Microsoft

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