Vonage settles long-standing Klausner litigation

One step forward, two (or more) steps back. That seems to be the recurring theme for Vonage these days, as just hours after officially requesting a review of the Verizon patent decision, the firm is now settling its legal dispute with Klausner Technologies. The settlement is the second this week for the outfit, and while no financial terms of the deal were discussed, Vonage was granted "a patent license related to voice messaging." Another one down, who knows how many to go.

[Mike @ Oct 12th 2007 10:55AM]

Get the feeling that Vonage has something special in their back pocket called prior art? Just one speculation.

If Vonage plays the prior art card, Vonage would ask for use without further 'infringement' of the patent, and not have to pursue this suit any further. This allows Sprint, Verizon, and Klausner to attack the next Voip provider that pops up, although any prior art Vonage found was never publicly disclosed.

It sounds like a win-win for Vonage + their accuser, and a loss for the industry in general.

[Brandon Galbraith @ Oct 12th 2007 2:43PM]

IANAL, but if Vonage pulls the Prior Art card, the patent is negated by the USPTO and no one can be sued over the patent again. You can't claim prior art and then not disclose said prior art so you're protected but others can be sued.

[Cagrino @ Oct 12th 2007 10:19AM]

Patent problems or nor I like the service I'm getting from Vonage. Here's to finding a way to stay in business.

[Linda Peterson @ Nov 17th 2007 8:49PM]

I wonder how this affects Lingo offered by Primus out of Australia. I've had rhis service for 3 yrs now and just love it. Cheaper, too. No, I don't work for them nor own any stock.