How high will Microsoft fly? Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : How high will Microsoft fly?

MSFT 491.12

+1.7%

Dec 8 3:59 PM EST

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: FR1 who wrote (7924)	5/24/1998 9:37:00 PM
From: rudedog	of 74651

Franz - re: patents. Microsoft has infringed lots of patents over the years - all of the high tech companies have. What happens? The patent holder either cross licenses (as Tandem did with MSFT over cluster technology) or gets money in the form of a royalty (as Compaq did when IBM infringed some of Compaq's bus patents) or some other deal is struck. This is a normal part of everyday life in this business and patent discussions between Microsoft and people who believe they have been infringed happen hundreds of times a year. The settlement is usually some fraction of market value of the infringing product, and is governed by a 'common sense' rule. The idea that buried in some microsoft code are a few lines that will cost the company billions is ridiculous. This has already happened many, many times and the settlements don't make the news. Copyright infringement is even lower on the value chain. Patent and copyright laws are most useful in affecting current business practice, not collecting millions for past violations.

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next