A U.S. District Court ruled Thursday the case should remain in that court until the judge there rules on some key issues.

The patent dispute involves Kodak's digital imaging portfolios. Apple is claiming to own some of Kodak's patents. Kodak says those claims are "baseless" and an attempt to interfere with the company's patent auction.

Kodak needs to sell it's patents to keep the company operating during its bankruptcy proceedings. An auction is planned for next month.