Judge Encourages Compromise in Verizon v. Vonage Patent Dispute

Press Release - June 28, 2007

A U.S. Court of Appeals judge is encouraging a compromise in Verizon’s ongoing patenting infringement lawsuit against broadband telephone provider, Vonage Holdings Corp.

Timothy B. Dyk, one of three federal judges assigned to the case, said on Monday that the two companies should seek common ground in the dispute, and try to reach a resolution where Vonage can continue signing up new customers while working to develop a workaround technology that doesn’t violate Verizon’s patents.

“Isn’t there kind of a middle ground in these cases when the injunction would put someone out of business? Shouldn’t that be a consideration?” Dyk asked during oral arguments. “Shouldn’t the district court consider allowing time for a work-around as part of the injunction?”

Verizon lawyer, Richard Taranto, responded to the suggestion by saying that Vonage has never asked for any kind of compromise.

Vonage attorney, Roger E. Warin, later claimed that the VoIP provider would be open to such a deal “if that’s the least we got,” but reiterated that it was ultimately still aiming to get the entire verdict thrown out and a new trial granted.