 Oracle has won the latest legal battle with holders Alinghi
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BMW Oracle Racing has been installed as the legitimate challenger for the next America's Cup.
Oracle and champions Alinghi have been in a dispute since 2007 over Desafio Espanol's status as challenger.
And a New York State appeals court has overturned a previous ruling to install Oracle as the challenger of record.
Reigning champions Alinghi said they would now be prepared to discuss terms of the next race with Oracle's host club, the Golden Gate Yacht Club.
The dispute has seen numerous court rulings since Oracle's initial challenge in 2007 but the latest, by New York State's highest court, should bring the row to an end.
The Court of Appeals ruled that Swiss-based Alinghi were wrong to accept a challenge from Club Nautico Espanol de Vela, backers of Spanish syndicate Desafio Espanol.
Alinghi, who sail under the Societe Nautique de Geneve colours, could make an appeal to the US Supreme Court but the matter almost certainly would not be heard because there is no constitutional dispute involved.
"Golden Gate and our racing team expect to win," said Golden Gate Yacht Club team leader John Kostecki.
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606: DEBATE
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"We look forward to a negotiation with Societe Nautique de Geneve for a multi-challenger America's Cup and getting back on the water as soon as possible."
Alinghi beat Team New Zealand to win the America's Cup in Valencia in 2007.
Soon after, Alinghi named Desafio Espanol as the challenger of record and set the rules for the 33rd running of the Cup in Valencia in 2009.
According to the rules of the Cup, the defending champion and the challenger of record negotiate where and when the cup will be held, and the standards for the boats that will be permitted to sail in the race.
But Oracle, who are bankrolled by Larry Ellison, contested the protocol. They claimed Alinghi were building an unfair advantage and took the Swiss team to court.
Several teams have already entered the next Cup, including Mascalzone Latino of Italy, Shosholoza of South Africa, Team Origin of Britain, Team New Zealand and United Internet Team Germany.
The America's Cup was first raced for around the Isle of Wight in 1851.
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