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The Word about Microsoft – Patent Verdict Revisited by Microsoft

The makers of Microsoft Word have a patent problem on their hands.  Recently, a ruling was handed down by the US Appellate Court fining the software mega-giant $290 million.  The fine included an order to stop sales of Microsoft Word as of today. 

The lawsuit began in 2007 when a Canadian company, i4i Inc., accused Microsoft of patent infringement for their XML editor which was being sold as a part of Word.  Microsoft appealed the decision, and in December of 2009, lost its appeal.

On Friday, Microsoft filed a case with the the US Appellate Court asking to re-evaluate its decision.  The software giant is now selling Word without the XML editor in dispute as of today.  Current versions of the software used by consumers will not be recalled.

Interestingly enough, share prices of Microsoft have risen.