Lately, VirnetX (VHC) has been all over the news in regards to their patent battle against Apple (AAPL), Cisco (CSCO), and Aastra (AATSF.PK) - among others. The company issued a press release on April 26th stating that they were "extremely pleased" with the Markman Order issued by the United States District Court (Eastern District of TX - Tyler Division). They must have been pleased, because a week later VirnetX signed a patent license agreement with Aastra USA that included both a one-time payment and a framework to collect royalties on all future sales covered by the pact.

VirnetX stock has reacted strongly to the news. Even though Aastra USA represents just one business unit of Aastra Technologies Ltd., it was reported that the patent infringement case between VirnetX and all Aastra affiliates would be dismissed. This was verified on Friday, May 11, 2012, when court documents were filed showing that the Order of Dismissal had been granted as agreed to by Plaintiff VirnetX and Defendants Aastra USA, Inc. and Aastra Technologies Ltd. (collectively "Aastra"). With the settlement and subsequent dismissal, investors are now more optimistic other defendants will come to settlement terms with VirnetX prior to the start of the scheduled combined jury trial, which is slated to begin in November.