Second Circuit Upholds IBM's Statute of Limitations Defense

A federal judge's decision allowing IBM to dodge a copyright suit has been upheld by the Second Circuit. The software company had failed to persuade the appellate court that the case was not time-barred, and on Monday, August 10, 2026, the court agreed with the lower court's ruling.

The case in question involves a dispute over copyright infringement, but IBM argued that it was shielded from liability by the statute of limitations. The Second Circuit panel rejected this argument, agreeing that the company had missed its chance to file a timely claim.

This decision is significant for companies involved in similar disputes, as it sets a precedent for the application of statutes of limitations in copyright cases. IBM's victory may limit the scope of potential lawsuits and provide some relief to businesses facing intellectual property claims.