Microsoft told to stop spreading the Word

Life

adjusts text and file formatting between programs, was patented by i4i in 1998, and it now appears in Microsoft Word.

An earlier trial verdict ordered Microsoft to pay $200 million (€140 million) to i4i for infringement. Now they are forced to pay an extra $40 million (€28 million) for wilful infringement, and a further $40 million as interest, in addition to the order to stop selling any version of Word that utilises the XML feature.

Microsoft has 60 days to either comply and change the software or appeal the ruling. Spokesman Kevin Lutz said, “We believe the evidence clearly demonstrated that we do not infringe and that the i4i patent is invalid. We will appeal the verdict.”

I4i’s chairman says that his company is not trying to take down Microsoft, only to have the terms of the patent observed. “The injunction is not saying there is no more Word for the world,” he said. “That is not our intention and that would not be a sensible remedy.”

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