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Judge Rules Vonage Can't Use Verizon's VoIP Patents TMCnet Web Editor In another apparent blow for Vonage (News - Alert), the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., has issued an injunction preventing the VoIP
 provider from using certain VoIP technology in its ongoing patent litigation with Verizon (News - Alert). The order is not immediately effective, however, and Vonage was confident customers would see no change in their phone service.
The court said it would hear stay arguments in two weeks before making a decision whether to make the injunction effective. If the court denies the stay, Vonage will seek a stay through appeal from the Federal Court of Appeals.
"We are confident Vonage customers will not experience service interruptions or other changes as a result of this litigation," said Mike Snyder, Vonage's chief executive, in a statement.
The company has drafted its notice of appeal of the March 8 jury verdict and will file that notice at the appropriate juncture in the court proceedings.
"Our fight is far from over," Snyder said. "We remain confident that Vonage has not infringed on any of Verizon's patents-- a position we will continue vigorously contending in federal appeals court-- and that Vonage will ultimately prevail in this case."
The ongoing legal tussle between the companies has significant ramifications for VoIP, and has led to speculation over future of Vonage as well as the rest of the VoIP marketplace.
Vonage, however, has continued to reassure customers they would not see their phone service disrupted in the wake of the jury’s decision, and remains committed to continue growing its business following 19 consecutive quarters of double-digit revenue growth.
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