Dell, Microsoft Near Deal With Patent Owner Over Brightness Tech

A Texas federal judge paused a lawsuit against Dell Technologies Inc. and Microsoft Corp. while they finalize a settlement with Polaris PowerLED Technologies LLC over allegations their automatic brightness controls for computer screens infringe a patent.

All deadlines are stayed until Jan. 2 to allow the parties time to submit dismissal papers, Judge Alan D. Albright said in a text order issued Wednesday granting the joint request in the US District Court for the Western District of Texas.

• The deal would moot a jury trial slated to begin Aug. 31.
• Polaris, a patent-monetization firm, sued Dell and Microsoft in March ...