RIM Details Patent Workaround Plan

Blackberry maker Research in Motion released details of a software workaround Thursday, which would be implemented in the event it loses a February 24 injunction hearing. A decision is expected there that could shut down the service in the United States. The workaround would require users to download a software update, however it would keep the BlackBerry messaging system working.

Chairman and co-CEO of RIM Jim Balsillie said he remained optimistic that RIM and NTP could reach a settlement, however he warned NTP of making threats and said the workaround "will hopefully lead to more reasonable negotiations since NTP risks losing all future royalties if the workaround is implemented." According to RIM, the workaround has already been vetted for any legal issues and found that it would not infringe on any NTP patent.