A US federal judge in Illinois said he had "tentatively decided" to dismiss patent litigation between Apple and Motorola Mobility. US District Judge Richard Posner canceled a trial in the case, which was set to begin 11 June, the Wall Street Journal reports. Apple sued rival handset maker Motorola in 2010, alleging it had infringed on four of the company's patents. Motorola filed a countersuit alleging violations by Apple. Posner said in a two-page order that neither company could "establish a right of relief" for the alleged violations, failing to support a case for damages. He said injunctions in response to the alleged patent infringement would impose costs disproportionate to the harm inflicted on patent holders, and would be contrary to the public interest. Posner said he would file a longer opinion within a week, adding that it is still possible he would change his mind. Motorola said it was pleased with the decision.
