BlackBerry prevails against MobileIron in patent infringement case

BlackBerry announced that earlier this week, a California federal court approved a stipulation submitted by MobileIron dismissing with prejudice claims MobileIron filed earlier this year alleging that BlackBerry attempted to "extort" MobileIron into entering a patent licensing agreement. As a result, MobileIron will have to pay BlackBerry's costs and attorney's fees in defending against those claims. In its complaint filed earlier this year, MobileIron claimed that BlackBerry attempted "civil extortion" by sending MobileIron notices of patent infringement. But as BlackBerry maintained throughout the suit, BlackBerry's efforts to enforce its patent rights were at all times proper, and MobileIron's claims to the contrary were both "abusive" and "meritless." The dismissal of MobileIron's claims vindicates BlackBerry's position and the propriety of BlackBerry's licensing practices. "BlackBerry is a pioneer in mobile security and enterprise software and has always stood behind its technologies and licensing practices," said Steve Rai, CFO, BlackBerry. "We are gratified that these meritless claims have been definitively put to rest and will continue to vigorously defend BlackBerry's position. We appreciate the change in direction that Ivanti, MobileIron's new owner, has taken with respect to this suit and look forward to working with them to reconcile the remaining open items."