[humorix] Unisys sues Forgent over patent infringement

[James Baughn <jbaughn@xxxxxxx>]

Unisys sues Forgent over patent infringement
Jeremy Stanley, jstanley [at] xmission [dot] com
April 28, 2004

Patent-wielding parasite Forgent Networks, which made headlines
recently through its numerous patent lawsuits over JPEG
technology, got a taste of its own medicine today when Unisys
filed a patent infringement lawsuit of its own against
Forgent.  Specifically, Forgent is accused of infringing US
Patent #3,141,592,653,589,793, "Method For Levying a Tax on the
Industry By Applying a Crusty Old Patent to What Was For Years
an Open Standard But Never Would Have Become So Had It Been
Encumbered By Patents In The First Place."

"Forgent clearly saw what we did to the GIF format and decided
to play 'me too', in utter disregard for our own intellectual
property," said Unisys spokesman Rob R. Baron.  "They want
everything to be free and let's all be friends.  But
fortunately, this is not the American way."  Unisys's lawsuit
demands five billion dollars in damages, plus 5% of the
royalties Forgent earns through Unisys's patented business
model.

Forgent remains defiant.  "Unisys's claims are baseless, and we
will vigorously defend ourselves in court," said company
spokesman Parris Site.  He added, "It's a shame that companies
like Unisys will abuse the patent system in order to line their
own pocketbooks with short-term profits while totally
disregarding the damage it does to the industry.  Fortunately
for us, though, Unisys has JPEGs on its web site."

When asked whether other companies are on its corporate radar,
Unisys replied, "There will be a day of reckoning for Rambus
and SBC when this is all over.  But right now we're focusing on
the Forgent situation."


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