NTP reckon that RIM's Blackberry is similar to technology of their own. Once upon a time they offered to license their technology to RIM, but allegedly never heard back from them. Much time has passed and a long court battle has been waging. In fact, the court battle has gone on so long, that the judge has had enough.
"I have spent enough of my time and life involved with NTP and RIM," Spencer said. "So we are going to deal with this swiftly, get it out of the way, and then you all can go wherever you go when you leave me."

If Spencer is frustrated, few people would blame him. Patent challenges are proliferating. And this case has been especially time-consuming, even in a court that prides itself on its speed in dealing with litigation.
[CNN]