GoDaddy hit with $170 million patent verdict over web-design tech

Core Viewpoint - GoDaddy has been ordered to pay $170 million for patent infringement related to website-building technology, as determined by a Delaware federal jury [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - A jury found that GoDaddy's web-design tools infringe on two patents owned by Express Mobile [1]. - GoDaddy plans to contest the verdict in district court and potentially on appeal [2]. - Express Mobile's attorney described the verdict as a significant affirmation of the value of their patents [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Express Mobile, based in Novato, California, holds patents in internet and mobile technology, developed by founder Steven Rempell, a former IBM engineer [2]. - GoDaddy, located in Tempe, Arizona, has previously denied similar allegations and argued the patents in question are invalid [3]. Group 3: Related Legal History - In 2023, GoDaddy won a separate jury trial concerning related infringement claims from Express Mobile [3]. - Express Mobile previously secured a $40 million verdict against Shopify in 2022, although that verdict was later overturned by a federal judge [3].