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InfoTech: Microsoft breached software patent, says court.
Uniloc, a company based in California, holds a patent for an anti-counterfeiting product. It checks that software is installed on a machine, identifies that machine by its hardware, and then refuses registration to any other machine. It uses specific algorithms. Microsoft has copied it.
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The fine, of an amount that would usually not trouble Microsoft but these days every cent helps, is for USD388 million.
But the court did not order that Microsoft remove its' security system from millions of machines around the world - which are now "bugged" by Microsoft through its Windows update system.
Using double-speak, Microsoft calls its product "Windows Genuine Advantage" - although it has not yet made clear what advantage the customer gains through using genuine software.
The Jury in the case decided that Microsoft had "wilfully" infringed the patent - and ordered it to pay more than Uniloc had originally sought in damages.
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