MS takes a big one (Patent Infringment Case)

[sgtevmckay]

A judge in Texas has ordered Microsoft (MSFT) to stop selling some versions of its Word software in the United States within two months. This follows a May decision that found Word infringes on a Canadian tech firm's patent.

The offending programs are Word 2003 and Word 2007, which seem to have borrowed technology on how to encode and display information. In addition, MSFT was ordered to pay $290 million to the Canadian firm i4i for damages and interest. The judge also issued an injunction that will take effect in 60 days, this move will not allow MSFT to sell Word products including the patented technology.

Full Article Here:
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/13/microsoft-fined-290-million-in-a-patent-ruling/?icid=main|main|dl3|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloggingstocks.com%2F2009%2F08%2F13%2Fmicrosoft-fined-290-million-in-a-patent-ruling%2F

As reported from AOL.Com Business August 13, 2009

[Alex2539]

Canada: Fighting the big guys since 1812!

[Chewtoy]

\o/
Eat that Micro$oft! :D
I just hope the lobbyists don't take over and change the laws and censures the internet, which seems to be where they are heading. http://torrentfreak.com/prevent-canada-from-becoming-a-copyright-police-state-090812/

[Inarai]

\o/
Eat that Micro$oft!
I just hope the lobbyists don't take over and change the laws and censures the internet, which seems to be where they are heading. http://torrentfreak.com/prevent-canada-from-becoming-a-copyright-police-state-090812/

Meh. Even if that went through, it would be one Charter challenge away from being struck down(The Charter being the section of the Constitution related to people's rights.)

Thing is, Section 2 of the Charter includes "the freedom of the press and of other media of communication". That last part is essential. In a country where the Supreme Court has a history of expanding liberties beyond what is explicitly mentioned in the Constitution(Seriously, there's an entire legal principle devoted to it), that's the most blatant inclusion in the document. That alone means that the Internet is constitutionally protected.

[sgtevmckay]

The Ugky details, and the infringement can be found here, along with teh order of the court, and MS's possible "out" on the subject.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=22595&tag=nl.e540