Kodak’s Moment: Apple Loses ITC Case

Looks like Kodak CEO Antonio Perez has a shot at the $1 billion in royalties he wants from Apple and Research In Motion after all. Late Monday, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Kodak did not infringe on Apple’s digital photography patents, upholding an ITC judge’s decision from May.

Lousy news for Apple, particularly since the ITC is still reviewing Kodak’s claims that two of its patents generally covering image preview and processing have been used illegitimately in the iPhone. In June, the Commission said it had decided to “affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand in part,” a ruling of an administrative law judge who found Apple (and Research In Motion, as well), hadn’t infringed Kodak’s patents.

A decision in that case is expected on Aug. 30 and if it goes Kodak’s way could force Apple to pay the imaging company royalties. But as the commenter below notes, it might be cheaper for Cupertino to simply acquire Kodak.