BlackJack vs. BlackBerry Trademark Suit Dismissed

When Research In Motion (RIM) filed an injunction in December against Samsung over wireless phone naming, some took it as a sign that competition was starting to fray the nerves of the former undisputed leader in executive-grade mobile technology. In the complaint, RIM asked a US court to decide whether Samsung's "BlackJack" was a deliberate and infringing derivative of RIM's signature "BlackBerry" line.

That day in court will never take place, as the two companies have agreed to settle the suit in a sealed proceeding. Complete terms of the settlement including considerations exchanged were not disclosed, and both companies will continue to use their current brand names. A statement attributed to RIM reads, "RIM is very pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial settlement agreement that includes immediate provisions for the protection of RIM's valuable trademarks."

In a statement provided by Samsung, the company proclaims, "The lawsuit brought by Research in Motion against Samsung was settled and the case has been dismissed. The parties have agreed to keep the terms of the settlement agreement confidential. However, the Blackjack smartphone manufactured by Samsung will continue to be sold in the US."