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Sun Microsystems Settles Patent Dispute with Kodak

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sun Microsystems has entered into a settlement agreement with Eastman Kodak Company, resolving all claims in pending litigation. The agreement involves a $92 million cost to Sun, which receives a license under all Kodak patents for Java technology use. This settlement assures Sun's customers worldwide that the company will support its products and intellectual property, eliminating uncertainty from the protracted lawsuit. The agreement allows Sun to focus on its future activities, such as the evolution of the Internet and its place within it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sun Microsystems has entered into a settlement agreement with Eastman Kodak Company, resolving all claims in pending litigation.
  • The agreement involves a cost of $92 million to Sun, which receives a license under all Kodak patents for Java technology use.
  • The settlement assures customers worldwide that Sun will stand behind its products and intellectual property.
  • The agreement eliminates any uncertainty that could result from a protracted lawsuit and appeal.
  • Sun's Java Communities represent the future of the Internet and are of paramount concern to the company.
  • Jonathan Schwartz, president and chief operating officer of Sun Microsystems, stated that the company is eager to put the litigation behind them and focus on the evolution of the Internet and its place within it.

Statistics:

  • The settlement cost Sun $92 million.
  • Sun has received a license under all Kodak patents for Java technology use.
  • The settlement eliminates any uncertainty that could result from a protracted lawsuit and appeal.
  • Sun's Java Communities are considered the future of the Internet.

Sources:

  • "Sun Microsystems Settles Patent Dispute with Kodak" press release, Sun Microsystems, Inc.
  • Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, Sun Microsystems, Inc.
  • Company website: http://sun.com/
  • Quote from Jonathan Schwartz, president and chief operating officer, Sun Microsystems: "Sun's Java Communities represent the future of the Internet. The Communities' vitality, along with the safety of every other open community in which Sun participates, from OpenOffice.org to the upcoming open Solaris(TM) OS community, are of paramount concern to us."
  • Contacts: May G. Petry, media and industry analyst, +1-650-786-0034, may.petry@sun.com; Paul Ziots, investors, +1-650-786-0411, paul.ziots@sun.com, both of Sun Microsystems Inc.

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