The BlackBerry Case

One of the most popular products in the United States is under attack in a high-profile patent lawsuit that illustrates many of the issues with America’s patent system. The BlackBerry, a popular wireless handheld device and service provided globally by Research In Motion (RIM) of Canada. RIM is the first wireless company to be sued by NTP, a tiny holding company (formed to assert patents) that is essentially claiming that it holds the patents to wireless email. Will RIM have to pay? Will BlackBerry be shut down?

This page provides links to some interesting material discussing the issues in the BlackBerry case:

Timeline of BlackBerry Dispute

RIM Petition for Rehearing

Amicus Brief by the Government of Canada