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MICROSOFT ADDS VOICE TO CALL FOR PATENT REFORM
SYSTEM NEEDS UPDATING IN FACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
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In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
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LEAD STORY: MICROSOFT PROPOSES WAYS TO IMPROVE THE U.S. PATENT SYSTEM
Since the early days of our nation, the U.S. patent system has helped innovators protect their inventions and bring new products to market. But rapid technological change and dramatic increases in the number of applications filed have put pressure on our nation’s patent system. In a keynote speech in Washington, DC, Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith called for reforms that would ensure patent quality; curb excessive patent litigation; promote harmonization of patent laws and patent office practices; and increase access for individuals and small companies to the patent system.
Read more...
http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/03/10/HNmicrosoftpatent_1.html
Read Brad Smith's Speech...
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/bradsmith/03-10-05AEIPatentReform.asp
LEGAL UPDATE: MICROSOFT MOVES FORWARD WITH COMPLIANCE IN EUROPE
In order to move forward with antitrust compliance in Europe, Microsoft recently agreed to ship Windows without media playing capabilities under a name mandated by the European Commission (EC). Microsoft continues to work with the EC to implement other sanctions, including the licensing of communications protocols to rival companies. Microsoft has appealed the EC’s antitrust ruling to the European Court of First Instance (CFI). A new organization made up of five large technology companies -- IBM, Nokia, Oracle, RealNetworks and Red Hat -- recently filed a request with the CFI to join the EC’s case against Microsoft.
Read more...
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/mar05/03-29EUComplianceStatementPR.asp
SECURITY NEWS: MICROSOFT LAUNCHES LEGAL ASSAULT ON PHISING SCAM ARTISTS
On March 31, Microsoft filed 117 lawsuits against alleged phishers. These scam artists use fraudulent email and websites to trick Internet users into divulging valuable personal information like credit card or bank account numbers. As part of the lawsuits, Microsoft is issuing subpoenas to help identify and stop the largest operators of phishing scams.
Read more...
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,120258,00.asp
MORE LEGAL NEWS: MICROSOFT REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH BURST.COM
Microsoft continued its effort to settle antitrust complaints by reaching an agreement with Burst.com over alleged patent, trade secret and antitrust violations. As part of the settlement, Microsoft has licensed Burst’s audio and video delivery technology.
Read more...
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/legal/microsoft-burst-streaming-settlement-24004223265901446.html
MICROSOFT NEWS: GROOVE ACQUISITION ADDS NEW TECHNOLOGY AND LEADERSHIP
Last month, Microsoft announced the acquisition of Groove Networks, a leading provider of collaboration software for workgroups. Groove Founder, Chairman and CEO Ray Ozzie was the pioneering creator of IBM’s Lotus Notes and will join Microsoft as one of three chief technology officers.
Read more...
http://news.com.com/Microsoft+to+buy+Groove+Networks/2100-1014_3-5608063.html
CITIZENSHIP REPORT: MICROSOFT EMPHASIZES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Microsoft takes its responsibilities as a global corporate citizen seriously. The company works with partners and governments worldwide to bring the benefits of technology to people everywhere. You can read about Microsoft’s citizenship programs in the recently released “2004 Citizenship Report”
Visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/report/default.mspx
TECH TIP: FILE YOUR TAXES SECURELY ONLINE
It’s that time of year again. Fortunately, the Internet enables you to file your tax return more quickly -- and receive your refund faster. At the same time, it is a good idea to be cautious when responding to online services that claim to help you file your return and obtain your refund. For more information on safe e-filing, visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/taxes.mspx
Need help writing your legislator? You can find tips for communicating with legislators, along with news, tech policy information and more, at the Freedom to Innovate Network Web site: www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/
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Write us with your tips, trivia and FIN Pulse suggestions at: msfin@microsoft.com
And remember, it’s never too late to write your legislators to let them know what issues are important to you. To identify and email your legislators, visit: http://www.freetoinnovate.com
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