It's only just begun, but the legal case launched by wireless technology developer InterDigital
Of course, the finding is only a recommendation to the administrative law judge, not a binding decision. But many investors apparently saw it as a bad omen; they dumped the stock en masse, leaving InterDigital shares nearly 23% lower by the end of the day of the announcement.
InterDigital originally brought the legal dispute to the ITC in hopes of getting Samsung to pay up early in 2007. InterDigital alleges that certain devices Samsung manufactures violate five of its own patents. As a remedy, InterDigital is seeking an exclusion order to bar Samsung from importing those devices into the United States.
Fortunately for Sprint Nextel
The setback in the ITC case came only a week after some good news for InterDigital: The company and Nokia
So even though the ruling by the ITC staff is far from final, the early recommendation will likely only further invigorate Samsung's defense efforts. That makes any sudden settlement and windfall payment highly unlikely between the two parties. If it wants to get any cash from Samsung, InterDigital will probably have to pay dearly in time and resources.
Call on further Foolishness: