Federal Circuit Sides With Akamai Over Limelight in Patent Infringement Suit

Limelight Networks infringed on a content delivery patent held by Akamai, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled in an en banc opinion Thursday. The Federal Circuit reversed a previous decision saying Limelight wasn't liable for direct infringement. "We are disappointed this outcome isn't aligned with the recent rulings in our favor," Limelight CEO Bob Lento said in a statement: "We will not allow this to distract us from serving our global customers." Limelight will study all options to determine its next steps, it said. "We are extremely pleased with the Federal Circuit's decision," Aaron Ahola, Akamai deputy general counsel, said in a statement. A jury ruled in 2008 that Limelight infringed on the patent, Akamai said, and initially awarded the company more than $45 million in damages.