Iomega Corp has finally settled its long-running worldwide patent dispute battle with French company Nomai SA and is buying a majority stake in the company. Roy, Utah-based Iomega has been pursuing Nomai through courts in the US and Europe claiming that the Avranches-based company breached patents on its removable cartridges. The two companies began talks on a settlement earlier this year and Nomai decided to throw in the towel. Nomai conceded that it had reproduced Iomega protected software in reverse engineering to make its XHD and DUO cartridges without authorization. A tak-over discussion sprang out of the legal talks and Iomega is buying a majority stake in Nomai for $21m and, as required by French law, will offer remaining shareholders the same 188 francs a share price. Iomega will also buy $3m worth of Nomai technology. Janes Sierk, Iomega president and chief executive officer said Nomai had technology under development, including an inexpensive 2GB removable cartridge drive, a CD-RW drive and DVD technology that could provide synergies for both companies.
