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EC COMPETITION CHIEF THREATENS “STRUCTURAL” REMEDIES
TOUGH TALK COMES AS MICROSOFT SUBMITS FORMAL RESPONSE TO EC
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In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
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LEAD STORY: EC FAULTS MICROSOFT AS COMPANY FILES NEW FORMAL RESPONSE
European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes issued strong words against Microsoft at a speech in Washington, DC, at a meeting of the American Bar Association on April 20, accusing them of persistent non-compliance. While Microsoft hopes to resolve this dispute through constructive engagement, Kroes said in her speech that a “structural remedy” against companies who the EC thinks are not complying with its orders could be warranted. A proposed sanction to break up the company was rejected by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2001. Kroes’s speech came just days before Microsoft filed its formal response to the European Commission’s latest Statement of Objections against the company. In the April 23 filing, Microsoft sought “greater clarity” from the EC on pricing rules for technology licenses required under a March 2004 EC order.
Read more
www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=BC2C0742-73A5-4B86-A57A-3E47216A2D80
IP NEWS: PROPOSED LEGISLATION AIMS TO IMPROVE THE U.S. PATENT SYSTEM
On April 18, the U.S. House and Senate introduced equivalent bills to modify key components of the U.S. patent system. If enacted, the legislation would change how patents are filed and reviewed. The legislation also aims to prevent “forum shopping,” in which patent litigants file suit in jurisdictions with a track record for favoring plaintiffs. The bill would also limit arbitrary damage awards, which have led to judgments of hundreds of millions of dollars for some patent litigation defendants, including Microsoft, in recent years.
Read more...
www.betanews.com/article/Patent_Reform_Legislation_Aims_to_End_Massive_Settlement_Fees/1176933598
INTEROP NEWS: PATENT AGREEMENT WITH SAMSUNG EXTENDS TO OPEN SOURCE
On April 19, Microsoft and Samsung Electronics announced a broad patent cross-licensing agreement, which gives each company access to key portions of one another’s patent portfolios. This agreement is especially significant because it allows Samsung and its customers to use Microsoft patents in products that incorporate proprietary and certain open source software, including Linux-based products. Microsoft has entered similar agreements with Fuji Xerox and Novell—agreements that foster interoperability and innovation, while providing patent peace of mind to customers.
Read more...
www.pcworld.com/article/id,130955-c,legalissues/article.html
TECH TIP: CONSIDER COMPUTER CAMP FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Last month, the National Governors Association’s “Innovation America” initiative held a special meeting focused on K-12 education. The conclusion reached was that the U.S. needs to redouble its commitment to science, technology, engineering and math education to remain competitive in the global economy. Summer computer camp provides a fun way for kids to learn basic and advanced computer skills. Many local organizations and national companies offer computer camps. The FIN can’t endorse one camp over another, but you can start searching for summer computer camps by following this Windows Live search link:
http://search.live.com/results.aspx?q=computer+summer+camps
TAKE THE NEW TECH TRIVIA CHALLENGE
The FIN’s Tech Trivia question that tests your knowledge -- or online searching ability. (Try Windows Live Search at www.live.com/.)
Residents of California, the most populous state, received the most U.S. patents in 2006. Which state came in second?
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Texas
- Washington
To submit your answer and view the answer to the previous question, visit
www.freetoinnovate.com/ssl/techTrivia.asp
THE FIN PULSE
The FIN Pulse is an informal online poll that lets FIN members see how others use technology and think about policy issues.
This month, we ask, “What, if any, formal computer education have you had?”
Go to www.freetoinnovate.com to participate in the FIN Pulse.
Do you have a great tech trivia question that will stump FIN members? Send it to us (together with a verifiable answer by emailing msfin@microsoft.com.
For Top Stories and Tech Headlines, updated weekly, visit the FIN Web site:
www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/
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: www.freetoinnovate.com
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: http://www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/
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