Micro Focus to appeal USD172 million jury verdict in Wapp Tech case

(Alliance News) - Micro Focus International PLC on Monday said it intends to appeal any patent litigation judgement in favour of Wapp Tech Ltd Partnership and Wapp Tech Corp.

The Newbury, England-based software and information technology business was one of the worst performers among London midcaps on Monday morning. Micro Focus was down 6.1% at 459.42 pence.

In 2018, Wapp brought a claim against Micro Focus in the Eastern District of Texas, accusing the company of infringing claims of three patents in connection with the manufacture and sale of some products in the ADM product line, including LoadRunner and Performance Center.

The jury on Friday delivered a verdict in favour of Wapp and awarded damages of USD172.5 million. The matter is awaiting the judge to hand down his judgement, Micro Focus noted, and the total damages awarded could increase.

"Micro Focus has received comprehensive and clear advice from its external counsel that it has a very strong case to appeal both the infringement verdict and the amount of the damages. Accordingly, Micro Focus intends to appeal any judgement resulting from the verdict. Micro Focus continues to contend that there has been no infringement of any intellectual property and its advice from external counsel continues to support this," said Micro Focus.

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

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