z4's patents relate to technology that provide a "method for software to be activated once it is installed. The same technology could also be used to deactivate the software in an effort to deter piracy."
z4 sued both companies in 2004 and a federal jury found both companies liable for patent infringement in 2006. Microsoft has to pay $115 million in fines and $25 million for willful patent infringement. Autodesk must pay $18 million.
Microsoft did make it clear however that the decision would not affect XP, Vista, or Office 2003 or 07.
Source:
BetaNews
Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 27 Nov 2007 18:13