Kodak Has Its Moment: Judge Denies Apple’s Bid to Move Patent Suit to New Court

Apple’s patent dispute with foundering photography pioneer Kodak will remain in bankruptcy court, despite a concerted effort on Cupertino’s part to move it.

Late Thursday, Apple’s request for a change of venue to a district court was denied on the grounds that the dispute should remain in bankruptcy court until some of its key issues are resolved. Apple had argued that bankruptcy court lacks both the authority and “necessary expertise” to handle the case, which involves a handful of Kodak digital-imaging patents of which both companies claim ownership.

Thursday’s ruling is a bit of a blow to Apple, which is hell-bent on having the rightful ownership claims at issue in the case resolved before bankruptcy proceedings conclude.