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Score one for Microsoft.
Judge Andreas Voss of the Mannheim Regional Court in Germany today ruled that a complaint Motorola has brought against Microsoft related to data-sync technology in Exchange ActiveSync will not be decided on anytime soon. According to Foss Patents’ Florian Mueller, who was first to report on the news and has acknowledged being a paid consultant for Microsoft, the judge instead decided to reopen the case. The move could push back a final ruling several months, according to Mueller.
“We are pleased the Mannheim court is looking even more closely at this case and remain confident in our arguments,” a Microsoft spokesperson told CNET in an e-mailed statement today.
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The proceedings revolve around a “push” patent held by Motorola, which claims that Microsoft infringes with its synching technology in Exchange ActiveSync. The company has brought a similar case against Apple’s iOS platform. In the Apple case, Motorola has been able to force Apple to turn off push e-mail service in iCloud and MobileMe in Germany.
For its part, Apple said at the time that it believed Motorola’s patent is “invalid,” and planned to appeal the decision. Microsoft was able to get Judge Voss to reopen the case today because it presented evidence that might go a long way in proving its defense.
CNET has contacted Motorola for comment on today’s ruling. We will update this story when we have more information.
