WordLogic Corporation, makers of text entry software for computers and handheld devices, is suing Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz for patent infringement on a technology that is found in the Mercedes navigation systems.
The case has been brought to a court in Portland, Oregon, where they seek an 8.6% royalty fee of the navigation systems price, which as we all know can cost up to $5000. In addition to the royalties, they are requesting to halt the sales of all systems that use their patents. Frank Evanshen, CEO of WordLogic, stated in an phone interview with Bloomberg: “We contacted them in 2005, and they have been aware of” the infringement. Will be interesting to watch this case. While I can guarantee you that Mercedes will not stop selling navi-systems anytimes soon, you might have to pay a bit more for them, you know, to cover the royalty fees.