Patent Law

Thanks to a reader who tipped me off to this case and provided court documents as well!

On January 31, 2008, plaintiff Silicon Graphics, Inc. moved to voluntarily dismiss from its lawsuit in the Western District of Wisconsin the remainder of its claims related to U.S. Patent No. 6,650,327 (?327), effectively ending its infringement case against defendants ATI Technologies, Inc., ATI Technologies ULC and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (Download sgi.v.ati.withdrawal of claims.2.4.08.pdf)

Then in a trial last week regarding defendants? invalidity counterclaim, Silicon Graphics prevailed. (Download sgi.ati.jury verdict 2.11.08.pdf)

I could find no press releases at either company explaining what led Silicon Graphics to dismiss its case.  The only potential clue lies in Judge Barbara B. Crabb's February 1, 2008 order granting a previous Silicon Graphics motion to voluntarily dismiss an additional claim for infringement relating to U.S. Patent No. 6,885,376.  In her order, Judge Crabb writes, "defendants ask to retain the right to argue at trial that plaintiff?s misuse of defendants? source code bars this lawsuit."

Does anyone have any more details on this case?  If so, please post a comment.