Akamai Prevails As Patent Infringement Verdict Against Limelight Networks Upheld

(RTTNews) - Akamai Technologies Inc. (AKAM) announced that in a unanimous decision the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit sitting en banc held that Limelight Networks, Inc. is liable for direct infringement of a content delivery patent asserted by Akamai.

In 2008 a jury had returned a verdict that Limelight was infringing the patent and awarded Akamai over $45 million in damages.

Akamai noted that today's ruling reinstates liability for infringement, which had been overturned in a post-trial ruling that has been the subject of appellate proceedings since.

In a separate press release, Limelight Networks said that the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has issued its opinion, reversing a previous decision that Limelight Networks was not liable for direct infringement of Akamai's US Patent 6,108,703. While Limelight studies all options and determines its next steps, the company believes its balance sheet is strong enough to continue to invest in the business and respond to any potential outcome in its continuing court battle with Akamai.

"We are disappointed this outcome isn't aligned with the recent rulings in our favor, which were supported by many global technology and industry leading companies, and are determined to continue the process," stated Bob Lento, Limelight's chief executive officer.

The original lawsuit from 2006 relates to a technical architecture that has not been in use at Limelight for many years. The company continuously advances and improves its products, and the industry-leading performance delivered through the Limelight OrchestrateTM platform is not at issue in this long-standing dispute, Limelight Networks said.