spacetoday.net: ViaSat wins $283 million lawsuit against Space Systems/Loral

ViaSat wins $283 million lawsuit against Space Systems/Loral

Posted: Sun, Apr 27, 2014, 10:50 AM ET (1450 GMT)
ViaSat-1 illustration (SS/L)

Satellite operator ViaSat won $283 million in damages against satellite manufacturer Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) in a suit over patent infringement of satellite technologies. ViaSat, whose ViaSat-1 broadband Internet satellite was built by SS/L, alleged that the manufacturer then infringed on several patents related to that satellite, held by ViaSat, for use on other satellite, breaching contracts with ViaSat in the process. ViaSat had sought $500 million from SS/L and its former parent company, Loral Space and Communications; Loral itself was not found liable. SS/L's current owner, Canadian space company MDA, said it would appeal the verdict.