Microsoft loses multiple patent rulings...

[rtgwbmsr]

Quite a bad week for Microsoft.

Forced to pay 521 million to Eolas for plugin patent
http://news.com.com/2100-1012-5062409.html?tag=nl

Microsoft loses DRM patent ruling
http://news.com.com/2100-1025-1026595.html?tag=nl

[Doctor V]

I really like seeing microsoft go down and all, but in this instance I think microsoft should have won.    These software and business model patents are going out of control.  I mean, they could probably sue apple for iTunes for this too.  I want to see M$ get busted for their abuse of monopoly powers, not this kind of crap.

[gump420]

quote:Originally posted by Doctor V: Gentoo Lunatic:
I really like seeing microsoft go down and all, but in this instance I think microsoft should have won.    These software and business model patents are going out of control.  I mean, they could probably sue apple for iTunes for this too.  I want to see M$ get busted for their abuse of monopoly powers, not this kind of crap.

On the other hand, I'd compare this to catching mob bosses for tax evasion.  Sure, it'd be nice to get M$ for the crimes that really matter, but frankly, given our country's court systems, I find that to be more than a bit idyllic.

Personally, I don't care how they go down, as long as they go down.

[Doctor V]

quote:Originally posted by maghor:
frankly, given our country's court systems, I find that to be more than a bit idyllic.

I can agree with you there.  But when choosing between the lesser of 2 evils between M$ and US style IP, I actually hold the opinion that M$ is the lesser evil.

[Zombie9920]

Bleh, that 521 million $$$ isn't going to hurt BillyG. That is pocket change to him. I mean really, the guy has over 40 billion $$$ (well, around 39.5 Billion now since he had to pay 500 mil.).

[mobrien_12]

I'm glad to see the MS lose the preliminary ruling in the DRM suit.   DRM is bad and a setback for MS DRM is good for all users as far as I'm concerned.

The plugin patent loss is bad for all of us.  I'm waiting for them to sue mozilla and opera and maybe apple.

[ September 29, 2003: Message edited by: M. O'Brien ]

[mushrooomprince]

Viper is right.  Microsoft lost 400 mil on the xbox and that didn't hurt them.  I don't really care how much money their losing. ALl i know is that i've made OSS converts out of everyone i know and thats is more influental than how many millions of dollars microsoft is losing over some bullshit problem.