Cybersettle, Inc., the developer of the automated, online, double-blind bid system, has won a patent infringement case it filed against National Arbitration Forum (NAF), a Minnesota-based company that had been hired to administer New Jersey's no-fault automobile insurance personal injury protection. The U.S. District Court in New Jersey ruled two versions of NAF's online dispute resolution system in New Jersey were in direct violation of Cybersettle's patent.

"This is an extremely important victory," says Charles Brofman, Cybersettle president and CEO. "Cybersettle spent a large amount of money and time developing processes and creating methodologies, and we are very gratified the Federal District Court did enforce and protect this patent and made sure infringers just can't come along and swipe years of work and put products out as if they were their own invention. The system really worked," Brofman says. U.S. District Court Judge Mary Cooper granted Cybersettle's motion for summary judgment on its patent infringement claim, denied NAF's cross-motion for summary judgment, and directed Cybersettle to submit a proposed form order for permanent injunction against NAF.

Cybersettle will continue to work on its partnership with the American Arbitration Association (AAA), which will allow their clients to use both companies' alternative dispute resolution and online dispute resolution services.