A US jury has imposed a substantial fine of $242 million (approximately ¥1.75 billion) on Microsoft for infringing on a patent. The ruling, delivered in Delaware on May 10, resulted from a lawsuit brought by IPA Technologies in 2018.
Microsoft to Challenge Jury's Decision
Microsoft intends to challenge the jury's decision, which alleged that Microsoft's Cortana voice assistant violated IPA's patent related to voice recognition technology in computer communication software. Initially, the lawsuit encompassed multiple IPA patents, but eventually focused on a specific one. Microsoft contended that they did not breach the patent and that the patent itself was invalid.
Background and Acquisition of Patents
IPA Technologies, a subsidiary of Wi-LAN, obtained the disputed patent from SRI International's Siri Company. Subsequently, Apple acquired Siri Company and its technology in 2010, incorporating it into their Siri voice assistant.
Microsoft's Response and Future Actions
Microsoft has expressed its intention to appeal the verdict, stating, "We firmly believe we did not infringe." IPA and Wi-LAN have yet to provide any public statements regarding the matter.
IPA Technologies has a history of legal action in this domain, having previously sued Google and Amazon over comparable patents. Amazon effectively defended itself in 2021, whereas the case involving Google remains ongoing.
