The i4i-Microsoft Appeal - HP and Dell Ask to File Amicus Briefs in Support of Microsoft

Aug 27, 2009, 14:32 (8 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Pamela Jones)

"That's if Microsoft is being accurate, and it's not possible to just send out a patch and fix the customXML problem that way by the deadline. Partnering with Microsoft is a bit of a gamble, if the allegations of i4i are eventually upheld on appellate review. Much as I personally despise software patents, and methods patents, the fact is patent law is designed to protect the victim of infringement. And if you infringed, you can expect massive disruption. Remember the Blackberry litigation? The idea is you shouldn't have infringed in the first place.

"The issue here is whether to stay the disruption until all appeals are heard, so as to avoid damage to Microsoft that may prove unnecessary. Watching patent cases is like watching ping pong. Appeals are common, and often they work out. All that matters is the final judgment in a case after all appeals are fully exhausted, and that's the absolutely right word. Patent litigation is exhausting. Also expensive, because appeals are so common. But Microsoft is asking for a lot."

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