In spite of accepting liability for some claims made by Oracle in a suit that alleges theft of trade secrets, SAP says that it will fight "vastly exaggerated" claim for billions of dollars in damages. The statement comes about three months before a case goes to trial. The suit was filed by Oracle more than three years ago over the alleged conduct of SAP's TomorrowNow subsidiary.

TomorrowNow provided maintenance services for Oracle customers such as PeopleSoft and J.D. Edwards. Oracle accused TomorrowNow of downloading software patches and other materials illegally from its customer support website.

SAP acknowledged "mistakes" made though TomorrowNow and has since shut down the division. SAP said that in return for agreeing to dismiss other claims, it would accept liability for Oracle's claims of copyright infringement and illegal downloading.

SAP argues that damages claims from Oracle are unreasonable. In a pretrial brief, SAP said that Oracle is seeking "billions in damages," while "their true damages measure in the tens of millions at most."

"SAP recognizes not only that TomorrowNow made mistakes but that plaintiffs are entitled to compensation, for which SAP will accept ultimate financial responsibility. That compensation must be based in reality and the law, however," the company said.