Microsoft Penalized $200M for Word XML Patent
Microsoft has to pay $200 million for Word infringement.
A Texas federal jury has ordered Microsoft to pay $200 million to Canadian software firm i4i Ltd for patent infringement, according to Reuters.
i4i originally sued Microsoft in 2007 for infringing upon one of its patents related to the manipulation of documents, landing the world’s largest software maker in trouble for its Word 2003 and Word 2007 products.
CXO Today reported that i4i had accused Microsoft violating a patent centered around XML, which is used in recent versions of Word.
Microsoft believes that that patent is invalid, and is looking to appeal the decision.
"The evidence clearly demonstrated that we do not infringe and that the i4i patent is invalid," a Microsoft spokesman said. "We believe this award of damages is legally and factually unsupported, so we will ask the court to overturn the verdict."

Even if it isn't, it sounds like the worst-disguised patent troll company ever.
Even if it isn't, it sounds like the worst-disguised patent troll company ever.
I remember reading about this a long time ago and at the time it began they had some very big corporations that they developed the application for who testified in their behalf. and this goes back a couple of years to the time when Microsoft did not support XML and had an anti-xml, and pro-proprietary Microsoft mantra. this company was the company to go to for this if you were a windows/office enterprise. when Microsoft decided to shift their stance and implement XML they supposedly came very close to duplicating the code that this company had developed.
That was interesting to learn.
However $200 million is bogus through all I'm concerned.
Sounds life Hollywood claiming billions lost via p2p.
Microsoft is like Shakespeare.
Shakespeare wasn't original at all, he was a con artist.
He stole all the previously great plays and claimed them for his own.
BUT, in the process of rewriting them, he made them all better, much like Microsoft has been doing longer than I have been alive.
1. The trial was in Tyler, Texas and it is in Eastern District of Texas. http://www.txed.uscourts.gov/
2. I am having problem locating the office of i4i in Texas. It is most likely because it is some kind of partnership between the i4i and their lawyers in Texas. The only official corporate office of i4i is located in Toronto, Canada. http://www.i4i.com/contact.htm
So based on my 5 year experience tracking patent cases I have my opinion formulated. I would like to dare everyone to check my statements:
1. Tyler is a small city in Texas with population about 100 000 and has no real software industry. If I remember correctly Tyler is called the Rose Capital, but don't quote me on this one. If this case was in Silicon Valley the outcome most likely would be different.
2. The i4i has created some kind of partnership (a.k.a "Shell Corporation") and transfer the patent. That way Microsoft could not deploy usual patent defense by filing counter lawsuit against i4i for violating MS patents.
3. At the beginning of the trial MS has requested to move the case in other city, but it was denied.
4. Microsoft has refused to settle the case because:
a. They believe that the patent can be invalidated or really limited in scope; and/or
b. Every reach Microsoft’s client could be sued or extorted by i4i if Microsoft doesn’t prevail at the end.
There is very clear pattern emerging:
1. Some great engineer comes with good idea, but because he has no money to start own company he is forced to use venture capital.
2. As he takes the money he is forced to sign contract that demands that his company turn in to profit in 2 years, for example, and as security he has to file a patent to protect the IP.
3. This usually is impossible and as result the original idea creator is out and the venture partner is taking over. His/she has only single purpose to recoup the money for the venture capital investors. So the patent becomes a weapon against anybody, but usually big and reach corporations like Microsoft.
That is how the patent troll is born. So, If the current patent system remain, it will destroy the US software industry and high-tech industry in general.
I'm sure they do know English... unlike you.
This suit is important as it could effectively kill XML for companies to use (mine included) Hell if I understand it correctly I've written a few games with a customized XML schema which would make me as guilty as MS. That's one hell of a patent for someone to create something original and be violating someones patent.
I'm going to file a patent on making a new sandwich, or maybe a patent on filing patents! No I've got it. A patent on originality! Any new thought is now in violation of my patent. That's the ticket.
Nicely done. I recently watched the movie 'Flash of Genius'. It's about patents. If you haven't watched it, I HIGHLY recommend you see it if you're interested in patents, and justice for the garage-based inventors.