Research In Motion (RIM) and Handspring have signed an agreement in principle setting out the fundamental terms under which RIM will license certain RIM keyboard patents to Handspring. Specific terms of the royalty-bearing license were not disclosed. RIM has agreed to dismiss its pending litigation against Handspring following the execution of a definitive agreement.
"Our agreement with Handspring further validates our strong patent portfolio and leadership in innovative wireless communications solutions like BlackBerry," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "RIM is committed to licensing its patents and technologies to provide customers with high-quality and proven products that leverage our extensive wireless expertise."
Blackberry 857/957 by RIM
The agreement appears to settle RIM's complaint that certain devices in the Treo Communicator series (Treo k180, Treo 270 and Treo 300) manufactured, marketed and sold by Handspring infringe on a patent associated with keyboard features implemented in RIM's BlackBerry handhelds. "Wireless device users are finding that integrated QWERTY keyboards are a fast, easy and familiar method of data input," said Donna Dubinsky, founder and CEO of Handspring. "We are pleased to come to this agreement with RIM so that we can focus our resources on product innovation and expanding the market for our Treo communicators."
