Transocean sued GlobalSantaFe for using the patented structures on two of its recent newbuild offshore rigs the semi-submersibles Development Driller I and II.

The jury also found that GlobalSantaFe wilfully infringed the patents, which gives the court the discretion to enhance the damage award.

The trial, which began last week in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, addressed the use of the patented structures only within US territorial waters.

Earlier