Media Coverage
Source: Investor’s Business Daily
Media Coverage
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
08.25.11
A recent ruling by a Dutch court has moved the patent wars in the handset industry to a new level by banning the shipments of particular smartphones to Europe.
"You have perhaps an unprecedented amount of dollars going into a specific area of technology, as these smartphones become a way of life," said Jack Barufka, Pillsbury’s head of intellectual property.
"When you have a technology this important you'll find IP (intellectual property) battles surrounding it," he said. "IP gives you market share and exclusivity to certain features and functions. There are thousands of IP rights built into these devices."
Barufka says that something similar has already happened in the medical industry: “There was a lot of blood spilled in medical industry litigation worldwide that lasted 10 or 15 years.”
"I think you will continue to see litigation for some time into the future" Barufka said. "As long as you have companies that feel they have the dominant IP position, then you can expect to see them fight until they see the playing field being level."