In reality, the court's ruling, which is expected later this spring, is unlikely to provide a great deal of insight into what it considers excessive damages.

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But he took a conservative view of frivolous lawsuits against corporations and excessive punitive damages.

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Business groups--notably the oil industry and U.S. Chamber of Commerce--warn that a decision against Exxon could open the door to excessive punitive damages claims against other companies.

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In addition, portions of the damages awarded for patent infringement were excessive because they may have included compensation for infringement before Samsung was on notice that Apple owned the intellectual property.

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But even there, judges will have room to question contracts that are too one-sided, eliminating punitive damages or penalties available under state law, or excessive fees.

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