Kodak obtains ITC review in Apple and RIM patent dispute

CAMERA FIRM Kodak has obtained an US International Trade Commission (ITC) review of Apple and Research In Motion (RIM) to see if they are infringing one of its patents.

Kodak appeared to have lost its case against the two companies in January when a judge ruled that they did not infringe its patent, which relates to a low power, low space method for previewing digital images, according to Bloomberg. The ITC has agreed to review the judge's findings, which potentially could see the ruling overturned.

Kodak claims that all digital cameras and any phone that possess a camera, which are most of them, use the technology in its patent. Apple and RIM dismissed the claim, saying that the patent is invalid, a view which the judge in the original case agreed with. The ITC might not have the same view, however.

If the companies are found to be infringing, Kodak could secure over $1 billion in licensing fees, on top of the $838 million it earned from patents in 2010. Couple that with a 25 per cent rise in Kodak's share price after the ITC's announcement and Kodak's stockholders must be jumping for joy. µ