(Tuesday, September 27, 2013 – Tyler, Texas): Just three days before jury selection, the parties in Jaipuria, et al. v. LinkedIn, et al. have filed a Joint Notice of Resolution and Dismissal.
In February of 2011, inventors Pradeep and Amit Japuria filed a complaint for patent infringement against three companies—LinkedIn Corporation, Hoovers Inc, and Whodoyouknowat LLC. The Jaipurias, both residents and citizens of India, traveled over 8,000 miles to the Eastern District of Texas to protect their rights in two patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 7,047,202 (the “’202” patent) and 7,761,383 (the “’383” patent) both titled “Method and Apparatus for Optimizing Networking Potential Using a Secured System for an Online Community.”
The Japurias alleged that their ’202 patent was “hailed as a groundbreaking social networking patent,” and reports about it were “broadly circulated.” LinkedIn allegedly made overtures to purchase the ‘202 and ‘383 patents, but negotiations halted when an anonymous requester initiated reexamination of the ‘202 patent. Ultimately, in May 2009, the PTO found the patent valid, but LinkedIn allegedly refused to resume negotiating terms for a license or purchase offer. In February 2011, the Japurias filed their complaint.
Alexandra (Lexie) G. White, Eric J. Mayer, Adam Carlis, and Zenobia V. Harris of Susman Godfrey’s Houston Office and local counsel Eric Albritton located in Longview represented the Japurias. LinkedIn was represented by California-based Cooley attorneys Heidi L. Keefe, Mark R. Weinstein, Matthew D. Brown, Michael G. Rhodes, Kathryn D. Duvall, and Elizabeth L. Stameshkin. Hoovers Inc. was represented by Partners Robert T. Mowrey and Charles E. Phipps of Lock Lord’s Dallas Office. Both defendants used Deron R. Dacus of the Dacus Firm as local counsel. Judge Leonard Davis oversaw the proceedings.
Perhaps motivated by an impending jury trial, the parties announced today that they “have in principle resolved all issues and controversy in the lawsuit.” Final notice of dismissal will be filed in the next 30 days.
