Case Summary
**Case Summary: Microsoft Corporation v. Proxyconn, Inc.**
**Docket Number:** 2:11-cv-2647291
**Court:** United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
**Date:** Filed on August 2011
**Overview:**
The case revolves around a patent infringement dispute between Microsoft Corporation, a leading technology company, and Proxyconn, Inc., a smaller firm involved in internet connectivity products. Microsoft accused Proxyconn of infringing on several of its patents related to computer networking and remote access technologies.
**Background:**
Microsoft holds a portfolio of patents that are crucial to its software and technology offerings, particularly in areas related to security, internet protocols, and network connectivity. Proxyconn, which specialized in providing proxy services for internet traffic, was alleged to have used Microsoft’s patented technologies without authorization in its products.
**Allegations:**
Microsoft claimed that Proxyconn:
- Infringed upon its patents by using proprietary methods and systems that Microsoft had developed.
- Failed to engage in licensing discussions or negotiations before utilizing the patented technologies.
**Defendant's Position:**
Proxyconn denied the allegations, asserting:
- That its products did not infringe on Microsoft’s patents.
- That Microsoft’s claims were overly broad and not adequately substantiated.
- The possibility of challenging the validity of Microsoft’s patents in question.
**Legal Proceedings:**
The case proceeded through various stages, including:
- Filing of complaints and answers.
- Discovery phase, where both parties exchanged evidence.
- Pre-trial motions addressing various legal issues including potential motions for summary judgment.
**Outcome:**
The case was ultimately settled out of court, with both parties agreeing to terms which allowed Proxyconn to continue its operations while paying a licensing fee to Microsoft for the use of the disputed technology. This resolution prevented a prolonged legal battle and allowed both companies to refocus on their respective markets.
**Significance:**
This case highlights ongoing tensions in the technology sector regarding patent rights and intellectual property. It underscores the importance of patent licensing agreements and the necessity for companies, regardless of size, to navigate the complex landscape of patent law to protect their inventions while respecting the rights of others.
**Conclusion:**
The Microsoft Corporation v. Proxyconn, Inc. case serves as a key example of patent litigation in the technology industry, illustrating the challenges and complexities companies face in protecting their intellectual property while fostering innovation.