Blackberry maker says it has a patch

WATERLOO, Ontario (AP) _ There's some potentially good news for users of the BlackBerry wireless device. <br/><br/>The device maker Research In Motion says it has developed software ``workaround''

Thursday, February 9th 2006, 10:56 am

By: News On 6

WATERLOO, Ontario (AP) _ There's some potentially good news for users of the BlackBerry wireless device.

The device maker Research In Motion says it has developed software ``workaround'' designs for the popular handsets -- in case a federal judge in Richmond bars the current software because of a pending patent dispute.

The continuing court battle has raised fears that Blackberry users might lose access to the service.

RIM says although there is currently no injunction in place regarding the patent fight with NTP, it developed the workaround software as a contingency.

It promises to post the software on its Web site. The designs are not available to users yet and RIM says there's no need for consumer action yet.

RIM says it believes it has ``strong legal and factual arguments opposing an injunction.''