blackberries? not in the states.

I've griped about software patents before, but this one takes the cake. Most people are familiar with Research in Motion (RIM)'s blackberries - little PDA things with wireless email, so you're always connected to your inbox. They're quite handy, and my roomate Guy can't live without his anymore.

But it now looks like RIM is barred from delivering their service in the US due to patent litigation.
The most revealing line in the article?

"NTP, whose only assets are wireless e-mail related patents, had been granted an injunction."

This company provides no products, no services, and no benefit to society. In fact, it's a paper-only company with only a handful of shareholders - so small it's been described as a "file drawer in a lawyer's office". But it has the legal ability to drive a company like RIM out of business. Go figure.