Dan Asimov wrote:
I just read that Vonage has been enjoined from enrolling any new customers while a certain federal judge decides whether it is infringing on one or more patents held by Verizon for making phone calls over the internet.
Let's be clear about what's going on in Verizon v. Vonage: a) Last month, a jury found that Vonage did indeed infringe on several patents held by Verizon. b) Vonage was ordered to stop using the technology. Vonage appealed the decision, and asked for a stay of the order during the appeal. c) The "news" today is that the judge only partially stayed the order: he allowed them to keep using the technology with existing customers, but enjoined them from enrolling new customers while the case is pending.
Can someone please describe just what these Verizon patents cover?
This blog entry, http://herot.typepad.com/cherot/2007/04/verizon_service.html lists the three patents. They have to do with ways to connect a VoIP system with the traditional phone infrastructure.
(I ask because I've been able to have real-time audio conversations on the net for many years -- e.g., by being logged into the same Yahoo group as someone else at the same time.)
The jury's job was to decide whether Vonage was indeed using technology covered by the patent -- but *not* whether the patent is legitimate or not. As far as I know, there has not yet been a court case challenging these AT&T patents, and there's certainly lots of reason for thinking they might be flimsy. --Michael -- It is very dark and after 2000. If you continue you are likely to be eaten by a bleen.