Patent Verdict Against Microsoft Upheld

A U.S. judge refused to throw out a patent-infringement verdict against Microsoft Corp. and Autodesk Inc. and ordered the companies to pay a Michigan man about $160 million over software designed to reduce piracy.

The money goes to Z4 Technologies Inc., a company founded by David Colvin of Commerce Township, Mich.

Microsoft must pay $115 million awarded by the jury, $25 million in enhanced damages and almost $2 million in legal fees, plus interest, U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis ruled Friday. Microsoft pledged to appeal.

San Rafael, Calif.-based Autodesk was ordered to pay $18 million imposed by the jury and $322,000 in legal fees, plus interest.