News

Court Reviews Microsoft-Motorola 'Push' Patent Case

Microsoft may catch a break in another patents infringement case against Motorola over so-called "push" technology.

A Microsoft spokesperson said on Friday that a court based in Mannheim, Germany will hold off its decision to re-examine the suit, in which Motorola sued over "data sync technology used by Microsoft products that use Exchange ActiveSync." That data sync technology is also described as "push" technology, in which content is pushed down from a server to a client, such as sending e-mail notifications to mobile devices.

The push technology can continue to be used in Microsoft's products while Judge Andreas Voss considers some details about the case, according to Germany-based blogger Florian Müller, who describes himself as a consultant, currently retained by Microsoft and Oracle. He said that the judge is reviewing the case after considering "prior use" details supplied by Microsoft, according to a post Friday.

Microsoft issued the following statement on the matter:

"We are pleased the Mannheim court is looking even more closely at this case and remain confident in our arguments."

Apple is already barred by a German court from using this same Motorola push technology, according to a CNet story. The court slapped an injunction on Apple in February, causing the company to turn off its e-mail notification services in Germany for iOS-devices using iCloud and MobileMe services, according to the article.

This case is separate from Motorola Mobility's litigation over the use of H.264 video codec technology in Microsoft products, such as its Xbox gaming console. That case was decided in Motorola's favor in Germany, but enforcement got postponed this month by a Seattle court.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.

  • Microsoft Cuts Windows 11 Recovery Time with New Update

    Microsoft has introduced two key enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at minimizing downtime and streamlining error resolution.

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.