Micro Focus settles Wapp patent dispute for £48.7m
Shares in the London-listed business nudged higher after it said the long-running litigation process had been brought to an end.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Technology firm Micro Focus has settled its three-year patent dispute with rival Wapp Tech with a 67.5 million US dollar (£48.7 million) payment.
Shares in the London-listed business nudged higher after it said the long-running litigation process had been brought to an end.
Wapp first brought a claim against Micro Focus in the Eastern District of Texas in July 2018.
The original claim accused Micro Focus of “infringing three patents in connection with Micro Focus’ manufacture and sale of certain products in the ADM product line, including LoadRunner and Performance Center”.
In concluding this matter, the board considered a range of factors, including the possible time, cost and significant resources required for the appeal process
In a statement, Micro Focus added: “The company has now reached a settlement with Wapp for payment of 67.5 million dollars for complete resolution of the dispute without admission of liability.
“In concluding this matter, the board considered a range of factors, including the possible time, cost and significant resources required for the appeal process and concluded that it was in the best interests of the company that a settlement should be reached.”
Micro Focus said the cash will be settled immediately and will be recognised as an exceptional item within its results for the past half-year.
In accordance with the settlement, the FTSE 250 firm said it has been granted a fully paid-up, worldwide, irrevocable licence for the patents asserted by Wapp for current and future Micro Focus products and services, as well as its customers.
Earlier this month, Micro Focus said it had set aside 70 million dollars in order to resolve the dispute.
It also reported a reduced loss for the past six months after significant cost reductions.
Shares in Micro Focus were 0.5% higher at 409.1p in early trading.