Microsoft Receives XML Patent

gsfprez writes "Well, i'm no patent lawyer, but if I'm reading this right, it seems that the basics of XML are being patented by Microsoft. If not the files themselves - at least what most of us would do with XML files. From the abstract: 'Systems, methods and data structures for encompassing scripts written in one or more scripting languages in a single file.' That smacks of what my config files do on my G5 for my G5, if you read it with a biased eye." We noted this was happening earlier, and now it's finally come to pass. While the patent does sound a bit dubious, a Microsoft spokesman was quick to deny that they'd be so bold as to patent XML itself.

Comments

Re:Sue this

[codepunk]

RTFA idiot that shit you posted had no scripts or links to scripts. If you would have read the article it has very little to do with xml.

Tuck your.....

[ratfynk]

HEAD between your legs and kiss your .net goodbye.

Here we go again another attempt to modify, obfuscate and dominate!

Re:Microsoft has never used a patent offensively

[after]

I think we are all aware that Microsoft makes great Linux distributions (no need to point out the link here -- you already know it, for it has consumed you.)

You mean Db

[mfh]

C# is Db - D flat.

E#, however, is F. And Fb is E. Neither of which exist.

Can Developers act?

[l0ungeb0y]

As a web developer who makes much use of XML/XSLT, I feel directly attacked by the actions of Microsoft.

Their actions I take as a direct threat to my source of income and ability to succesfully negotiate contracts with my clients, for as a 3rd party developer most if not all all my client/developer contracts stipulate that "I shall not knowingly provide my clients with any solution or product that is known by me to infringe on any other parties intellectual property"

I know Microsofts patent to be baseless, meritless and on the face hiostile to all people such as myself and on the goodfaith of the W3C working group in providing us with the Open XML Standard.

Right now I want to know what remedy I have to relieve myself of this attack Microsoft is making upon my livelyhood. I'm sure other developers are thinking the same thing because this action is pure and utter bullshit, and personally I think Microsoft can go fuck itself.

Good

[Greyfox]

Maybe some people will stop using it now because XML sucks for most applications for which it's currently used. There may be a few applications for which it doesn't suck but you know what? The suckage from all the abuses of XML more than offset any gains the industry would have made from it.

I hope they sue the crap out of everyone using XML because I, for one, would like to see the standard die the death it so truly deserves.