BlackBerry decision delayed

BlackBerry users can breathe a little easier. The battle isn’t over yet, but a decision has been delayed. After hearing arguments from both sides this morning, Judge James Spencer has adjourned the hearing without ruling on the injunction. He said he will rule ‘as soon as reasonably possible’. He was very critical of both sides, though. “I am surprised, absolutely surprised, that you have left this incredibly important decision to the courts. I’ve always thought this was a business decision.”

NTP asked the judge to order RIM to pay $126 million in damages and $250 million in royalties. NTP lawyers called RIM ‘squatters’ who need to pay for the patents they are using.

It seems unlikely that a judgement will be necessary. RIM has shown that they are more open to a settlement in recent days. NTP should be more eager to get what they can now, especially since a second patent was rejected in a final decision by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. My guess, for what it’s worth, is that we will hear about a settlement soon and we can all forget about this feud that seems to have gone on forever.