"While some uncertainty was anticipated in December, the overall impact was greater than previously anticipated," the Ontario-based company noted, likely giving impetus for a settlement.

Revenues were flat for the fourth quarter compared to the third, and less than expected: about $550 million to $560 million, compared to the $590 million to $620 million forecast earlier. Sales were sill higher than the $405 million from a year ago.

Final quarterly results are scheduled to be announced on April 6.

Just one week ago, U.S. District Judge James Spencer had expressed skepticism about RIM's argument that a BlackBerry shutdown would hobble critical public services and infrastructure. He noted that the company had told investors that a software work-around it had devised would avoid disruptions to users.

Spencer had also said at last week's hearing that there was no escaping that RIM had been found to be infringing on NTP's patents. Spencer went on to say that the two sides should have settled out of court.