It looks like Nikon has finally won its lawsuit against Sigma for its patented VR image stabilization technology dating back as far as May 2011. Recently, Sigma was ordered by the Tokyo District Court to fork over 1.5 billion JPY or roughly around $14.5 million as compensation for the company deemed by the judge for using Nikon’s technology in their lenses. As of right now, there is no telling what the future holds for Sigma as they move forward in producing new lenses, but it’s unrealistic to think that they will stop making optically-stabilized lenses. Depending on the decisions they make, it may result in Sigma raising their prices on future lenses. They may be forced to develop new technology or perhaps reach a deal with Nikon and continue to use their technology by paying a royalty. Either way, each alternative is costly, so we’ll have to wait and see.

[Via Nikon Rumors]