Jury Rules Against Lexmark In Patent Violation Case

By JEFFREY McMURRAY
Associated Press Writer

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A federal jury on Friday determined Lexmark's patents weren't violated by a company that makes parts allowing the printer giant's toner cartridges to be reused.

In a unanimous decision, the jury of six women and three men recommended that a judge reject the Lexington, Ky.-based company's claims that North Carolina-based Static Control violated a federal copyright act in its creation of a small electronic computer chip and other products.

The verdict isn't binding, but U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove says he will give it serious consideration when he makes his final ruling within 30 days.

The legal fight between the two companies dates back to 2002 and could have involved hundreds of millions of dollars in damages had Lexmark won. The jury also found that Lexmark's actions were monopolistic, but Van Tatenhove had already ruled Static Control won't be entitled to monetary damages for that.

Both sides could appeal the rulings.