RIM, NTP Talking Through Mediator

RIM may be attempting to settle with NTP in order to avoid a potentially damaging shutdown of both BlackBerry sales and service with the United States. Reuters quoted RIM vice president Mark Guibert acknowledging that the two companies were talking through a court-appointed mediator, but he declined to mention what was discussed.

NTP neither directly confirmed nor denied Guibert's comments, stating the last discussions on the lawsuit between the two parties occurred in June. The path seems clear for a shutdown of BlackBerry. On November 30, U.S. District Judge James Spencer ruled that the $450 million settlement between the two companies was not enforceable, giving the green light for enforcement of an injunction against the service.