Over the past couple of decades, a technological revolution unlike any we have ever experienced has fueled American enterprise. At the center of this revolution is intellectual property, which has taken on increasing importance in the global competitive business landscape.
IP is a fundamental and defining business asset for many companies. Patents, in particular, have become the subject of increasing litigation, much of which is the bet-the-company variety. The BlackBerry case illustrates the extent to which companies are willing to go for the right to practice patents and stay in business. RIM settled the case for $612.5 million so it could continue selling its products and services.
