The decision of a jury to award US software giant Oracle $1.3bn (£800m) in damages from German rival SAP has been overturned by a judge in San Francisco.
Oracle had been awarded the sum last year following allegations that an SAP subsidiary had wrongfully downloaded millions of Oracle files.
Judge Phyllis Hamilton said this amount "was contrary to the weight of the evidence and was grossly excessive".
She said Oracle should accept only $272m or else seek a retrial.
Oracle has declined to comment on the appeal ruling.
An SAP spokesman said his company was "very gratified" by the decision.
"We hope the court's action will help drive this matter to a final resolution," he added.
Oracle's chief executive Larry Ellison testified at last November's high profile court case.
