In its lawsuit, filed in November 2001, NTP claimed that certain RIM products were infringing on NTP patents covering a method of using radio frequency wireless communications in e- mail systems.
The Virginian court's jury yesterday accepted NTP's arguments. However, its $23 million fine could be increased if the judge decides that RIM willfully infringed NTP's patents.
RIM said in a statement that it is "disappointed" by the verdict, but claimed that the decision has no effect on its patents and other intellectual property. The company intends to appeal the decision.
Earlier this month, RIM and rival Handspring settled a dispute over a keyboard patent. RIM has also sued Good Technologies.