Unlike the very public and well-documented mobile email lawsuits of the past (remember RIM vs. NTP?), Microsoft and Visto have settled a suit that launched nearly two years ago but has yet to go to trial. Visto accused Microsoft of violating its mobile email patents, which Visto had successfully sued Seven Networks over in 2006 and won about $7.7 million in damages. The settlement with Microsoft includes both cash and "non-cash consideration" according to the company's press release. The case would have gone to trial next week.
Now the pressure is on Research In Motion, which Visto alleges has infringed on four of its patents. That case will proceed to trial in July if the parties don't reach a settlement beforehand.
For more on Visto vs. Microsoft:
- read this article from CNET