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Supreme Court To Hear Microsoft-i4i Case Monday

CWmike writes "Patent attorneys and inventors of all types are closely watching a Microsoft case that the US Supreme Court will start to consider on Monday. The case, which centers on a technology patent assigned to i4i that almost forced Microsoft to stop selling its flagship Word software, could have broad implications in the way patents are awarded and upheld, experts said. Currently, when a patent holder accuses someone of infringing a patent, the burden is on the infringer to prove with 'clear and convincing evidence' that the patent is invalid. In hearing this case, the Supreme Court could decide to lower that standard of proof, she said."

2 of 105 comments (clear)

  1. IT'S BIBLICAL !! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    An Eye for an Eye is what God said unto the flock !!

    And then HE let them have it !!

  2. Re:It's just word!! by r.stallman · · Score: 3, Funny

    When I need an office program it's time for Open Office or Libre Office, both of which not only out perform Word but do a better job as a word processor.

    I'm not sure if you're being serious, but recently I used Office to complete my PhD thesis in physics and it was amazing. I wrote a quick VBA in Excel to directly interface to my cold fusion power output detectors (resistance lowered when immersed to indicate increased temperature) and rather than have to use complex formulae a wizard suggested the best one automatically! The charts looked super smooth and slick, not like Open Office where frankly the results looked quite random.

    But back onto word processors, Word is amazing too. I'd pretty much only just started writing the introduction when "It appears you are writing a thesis, would you like help?" appeared. After I clicked yes for every term I entered it automatically fetched Wikipedia results and referenced them, I was done in no time! Now that I'm a Doctor I'm also using MS Flight Simulator to learn to fly as soon I'll be able to afford my own private jet. Thanks again Microsoft!