Microsoft-Motorola Patent Lawsuit Heads to Seattle

Microsoft has gained the upper hand in by getting its patent battle with Motorola Mobility moved to its preferred federal court in its hometown of Seattle.

The patent fight between Microsoft Corp. and Motorola Mobility Inc. reached new heights this week with Google deciding to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in a move to protect the patent of its Android phone software.

A federal judge in Florida Wednesday decided to move the case, which could delay proceedings on Motorola's suit. The move may also cast doubt on Motorola and its Android phone service, which Microsoft says infringed its patents, according to Reuters.

Microsoft, as part of its claims against Motorola, is looking to ban the sale of Motorola's Android-based phones, which could come as a huge blow for Google’s deal, if successful.

Both Microsoft and Motorola are involved in an extensive patent dispute that is spread over several cases before the International Trade Commission and in federal courts in Washington and Wisconsin. Claims and counterclaims now cover dozens of patents and a number of products and software made by both the companies.

The Florida court has found no valid reason to handle the case and has declared that it would be suitable for witnesses for any trial to be held in Seattle, where other disputes between the two companies are due to be tried.

No date has yet been set for a trial, according to Reuters.