Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.

While it's true, RIM is in an awkward position, I highly doubt my BlackBerry is going to suddenly go silent. That is, if I don't drop it anymore than I already have.

A patent lawsuit against the maker of the BlackBerry is starting to scare some customers away from the popular e-mail device.

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RIM's patent fight has been going on for years, but NTP has won several key victories in recent weeks. That's pushing the legal wrangling into the spotlight – and has heightened the possibility that a court will force RIM to stop offering service in the USA until the case is settled.

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Still, many tech experts say a shutdown in BlackBerry service is unlikely. "There's too much at stake for (RIM and NTP) not to settle, says Shubha Ghosh, a law professor at the University of Buffalo and Southern Methodist University.

RIM risks alienating its U.S. customers, which account for about 70% of its revenue. And NTP wants RIM to do well – so it can get a slice of the profits under a licensing agreement.

That's enough to satisfy some RIM customers. Jeffrey Winton, CEO of Chicago lighting manufacturer Radionic Industries, says he's shopping for a BlackBerry because he's convinced RIM will make a deal.

RIM (and NTP) will make sure my e-mail service is uninterrupted. Color me not so worried.