Research in Motion (rim)

Research in Motion (RIM)

Natyjah Gilliam

Abstract

In this research assignment I have performed research on Research in Motion and described their history. Also, I was able to acquire information concerning RIM's challenges concerning the protection of its intellectual property and how they handled these challenges. I also described some of the industry factors that influenced RIM and applied any TCO's that were applicable to my research. After reading my research it should be clear that RIM possesses a need to increase their innovation capabilities.

To begin with, Research in Motion was founded in 1984 in Waterloo, Ontario and have operations based in Canada, Europe, and the United States. Research in Motion has become a leading creator of innovative wireless solutions in the mobile communications market. RIM has been able to design, manufacture, and market their mobile devices successfully with hardware integration, software, and services. RIM has a specialty in creating seamless solutions for access to information that is usually time sensitive, such as e-mail, messaging, and applications that are internet and intranet based. Research in Motion proudly exhibits an impressive portfolio of award bearing products which include; the RIM Wireless Handheld products, the popular BlackBerry wireless solution, embedded radio modems, and various software development tools. (Research in Motion 2002)

Furthermore, Research in Motion has been involved in significant legal battles in an effort to protect their legal rights concerning their intellectual property. RIM has faced numerous challenges throughout the years that include several lawsuits and court battles. An example of this challenge can be exhibited in RIM's lawsuit that was filed back in 2002 in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against a company called Good Technology, Inc. In this lawsuit Research in Motion claimed that Good Technology, Inc. encroached upon four Research in Motion patents filed back in 1994, which were housed within Research In Motion's Wireless Integration Patent Portfolio. In an effort to deter theft of Research In Motion's intellectual property and to punish those who infringed upon their property Research In Motion asked the district court for injunctions and requested monetary damages and in cases of willful theft of intellectual property the damages are significantly severe allowing for greater monetary gain as well as the right to have their lawyer and associated fees paid by the guilty party. (Research in Motion 2002)

Similarly, Research in Motion has lost battles and challenges in their effort to protect their intellectual property. A challenging situation recently ended in 2005 between Research in Motion and NTP, (another wireless technology company). The lawsuit was filed in 2001 when NTP made a claim that Research In Motion infringed on patents that NTP owned in reference to wireless technology that Research In Motion used in its widely known BlackBerry devices with implications concerning server software, as well. A decision was reached in the matter in 2003 and a United States court ruled on NTP's behalf; NTP was awarded $53.7 million in damages