Microsoft last month settled a claim which alleged that its NetMeeting software infringed a real-time internet conferencing patent held by technology company Imagexpo. Microsoft agreed to licence the technology and pay $60 million.

Imagexpo filed the action in October 2002 alleging that the patent was infringed by the NetMeeting Whiteboard feature of various Microsoft products. In November last year a jury found in favour of Imagexpo and awarded $62.3 million in compensatory damages. The jury also found that Microsoft wilfully infringed the patent.

The final amount of the award was left hanging, pending a court decision on several issues that could have increased the award significantly – possibly tripling it. Ultimately, however, Microsoft reached a more favourable result, requiring it to pay $60 million by 30th December.

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.