Ariba Infringed EPlus Patents, Jury Finds

A jury said Ariba Inc., a maker of supply-management software, infringed three patents owned by rival EPlus Inc., a decision that could result in a $294-million damage award against Ariba.

The federal jury is to hold a second trial this week in Alexandria, Va., to determine the amount of damages owed. Herndon, Va.-based EPlus is seeking as much as $98 million, which could be tripled because the jury found that the infringement was intentional.

Ariba, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., said it intended to appeal.

Shares of EPlus rose $2.39, or 19%, to $15.24. Ariba fell $1.71, or 18%, to $8.04. Both trade on Nasdaq.