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JUDGE RECEIVES UPDATE ON MICROSOFT COMPLIANCE
PROTOCOL LICENSING PROGRAM TO BE EXTENDED TO 2009
In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
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LEAD STORY: JUDGE OKAYS EXTENDED LICENSING PROGRAM
On May 17, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly agreed with a plan formulated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Microsoft and participating states to extend the communications protocol licensing program that is a key component of the antitrust settlement. During the regularly scheduled settlement status hearing, DoJ attorney Renata B. Hesse also explained how Microsoft’s new Web browser, Internet Explorer 7, easily enables consumers to choose the search engine used by the browser.
Read more...
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=1972566
PATENT NEWS: SUPREME COURT PATENT RULING PROMISES TO HELP CONSUMERS
On May 15, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that judges should have greater flexibility in determining whether a company making use of a disputed patent should be penalized with an injunction. The case revolved around auction Web site eBay’s “Buy It Now” feature, but could impact other technology products and services. "This decision is a clear victory for innovation and for consumers and a defeat for patent trolls and others who are abusing the legal system," said Robert Holleyman, president of the Business Software Alliance.
Read more...
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=FT&Date=20060516&ID=5721740
LEGAL FOLLOW-UP: MICROSOFT DEFENDS ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN EUROPE
During the week of April 24-28, Microsoft appeared before the European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg to defend itself against the European Commission’s 2004 antitrust ruling. Microsoft showed how its technology enables interoperability for other companies, but argued that it should not have to forfeit its valuable intellectual property to its competitors. Judge John Cooke, presiding over a 13-member special panel, agreed that, “The information which forms interoperability is hugely valuable commercial information.” Cooke asked the Commission whether competition law required this information to “be taken away from Microsoft.” A ruling is not expected until later this year or next year.
Read more...
http://today.reuters.com/business/newsArticle.aspx?type=ousiv&storyID=2006-04-27T191819Z_01_L27498476_RTRIDST_0_BUSINESSPRO-MICROSOFT-EU-DC.XML
TECH TIP: GET NET SAFE
On May 16, Microsoft teamed up with technology, government and advocacy organizations, including the FTC, AARP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, to launch a program focused on Internet safety and computer security. The Get Net Safe Tour is visiting cities around the nation, and you can learn hands-on information about computer safety and security at the staysafe.org Web site. Information is available for kids, teens, parents, seniors and anybody who uses a computer: http://www.staysafe.org/
Read more...
http://www.techweb.com/wire/security/187203519%3Bjsessionid%3DUGWAHSCEB2WJUQSNDBCCKHSCJUMEKJVN
TAKE THE NEW TECH TRIVIA CHALLENGE
Here’s another Tech Trivia question that tests your knowledge -- or online searching ability.
On Feb. 13, 2006, President Bush awarded George H. Baer, the innovator behind the home video game, the National Medal of Technology. What was the name of the first home video game to use Baer’s technology?
- Milton Bradley/GCE Vectrex
- Magnavox Odyssey
- Atari Pong
- Coleco Colecovision
- Microsoft Xbox
To submit your answer and view the answer to the previous question, visit
http://www.freetoinnovate.com/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 issue we ask, “What kinds of online services do you use?”
Go to www.freetoinnovate.com to participate in the FIN Pulse.
Write us with your tips, trivia and FIN Pulse suggestions at msfin@microsoft.com.
Check the FIN online for tech news, policy updates and more
www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/
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: www.freetoinnovate.com
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