Thankfully, disputes are no longer addressed by duels at dawn. In technology, things can get hairy when debating over patented or non-patented innovation. The contact center is expected to serve as a bastion of resolution; however, when developer’s toes get stepped on, this is where the courts come in to play, to settle the argument once and for all.
Cloud-based contact center solution provider TCN and cloud-based communications provider Global Connect announced this week that, after five-plus long years, the court battle with NobleBiz has come to conclusion. The courts ruled in favor of TCN and Global Connect’s appeal – saving them from a $2 million pay-out.
The courtroom battle began in 2012, when NobleBiz went after the two cloud solution providers for patent infringement. Another lawsuit in 2013 further forced the matter, as NobleBiz was under the impression several functions of Global Connect and TCN technology infringed upon two of NobleBiz’s patents.
“TCN is pleased with the court’s ruling and proud to finally have our actions vindicated,” said Jesse Bird, co-founder and chief technology officer for TCN. “With unparalleled customer support, service and technology, we continue to be committed to providing original, innovative and reliable contact center technology solutions for businesses of all sizes.”
As an entity, TCN and Global Connect merged in 2016 to create a more comprehensive offering of cloud-based contact center solutions, today serving more than 2,000 customers around the world.
Intellectual property is the foundation for innovation. It all starts with an idea; a seed is planted, components marinate, they’re put together and all of a sudden the idea is now reality. But what if someone had the idea first? Now, I’m not saying that’s the case here, but what I am saying is be aware of the market, and what’s been done before.
Remember, there are no points for second place. Especially in patent litigation.