[Am-info] Microsoft seeks XML-related patents

[Fred Miller]

On Monday 26 January 2004 12:25 pm, Roy Bixler wrote:

[snip]

> > http://news.com.com/2100-1013_3-5146581.html
>
> First, the European Union is having a debate as to whether to allow
> software patents and, if so, what the rules will be on them.  I have
> heard that there is some funny situation there where the lack of a
> legal framework hasn't stopped companies like Microsoft from applying
> for software patents.
>
> Second, this particular patent application should be shot down on
> grounds of prior art.  StarOffice/OpenOffice and KWord, for instance,
> have been using XML as their default document formats for years.

Agreed. However, we know how MickySoft manages to get what they want via hook 
or CROOK. I hope those in Europe respond to their gov't reps. about this and 
other issues affecting M$.

Fred

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