UK dealing technology vendor royalblue has welcomed the initial US court ruling on the first stage of a patent infringement claim lodged by Lava Trading.
The first stage, known as a Markman claims construction hearing, defines the technical terms in the patent which will be used in subsequent hearings and is instrumental in establishing whether patent infringement has occurred.
In a statement, royalblue says: "The ruling confirms royalblue's definition of all the major terms and strengthens royalblue's position that the case brought by Lava Trading Inc is without merit."
The company cautions that Lava is likely to appeal the decision, which could take a further 18 months to process.