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EUROPEAN COURT CONSIDERS SUSPENDING SANCTIONS
RULING EXPECTED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR
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In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
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LEAD STORY: HEARING IN EUROPEAN COURT WEIGHS SANCTIONS AGAINST MICROSOFT
Yesterday and today, Microsoft, European Commission competition authorities and interveners on both sides attended a hearing at the European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg. Judge Bo Vesterdorf is considering whether sanctions against Microsoft -- including forcing Microsoft to sell a version of Windows stripped of its media playing capabilities -- should be suspended for the entire course of the appeals process. Microsoft argued that such a mandate not only unfairly damages the company, but also hurts consumers and other businesses that rely on the audiovisual capabilities now built into Windows. Judge Vesterdorf is expected to rule on postponing the sanctions before the end of the year. The entire appeals process could take several years.
Read more:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=6390393
LEGAL UPDATE: PTO QUESTIONS BROWSER PATENT CLAIMS
In August, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) rejected patent claims made by the University of California and its licensee, Eolas Technologies. The patent under review describes how third-party plug-ins operate in Web browsers. Microsoft is currently appealing a $565 million judgment for infringing on this patent. While Microsoft values and respects intellectual property rights, the company, along with other technology leaders, believes that the Eolas patent is invalid and could harm the Internet if upheld. Eolas and the university still have additional opportunities to defend their patent. Look for future updates on this issue.
Read more:
http://news.com.com/Microsoft+wins+again+in+Eolas+patent+dispute/2100-1032_3-5315367.html
MICROSOFT NEWS: SHARING OFFICE SOURCE CODE WITH GOVERNMENTS
In September, Microsoft announced that it would expand its Government Security Program by offering national governments and international organizations no-fee access to Microsoft Office 2003 source code. Access to Office source code will help governments meet their goals for information exchange and interoperability.
Read more
http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3410171
MORE MICROSOFT NEWS: MSN MUSIC SERVICE JOINS THE FRAY
Last month, Microsoft released the free Windows Media Player 10 (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10/) and launched a preview version of its MSN Music service (http://music.msn.com/). Users can access and purchase more than 1 million tracks -- everything from Johnny Cash to the B-52’s. Downloads can be burned to CD or enjoyed on a wide range (70 and counting) of portable audio devices. Microsoft faces strong competition in this market from Apple, RealNetworks, Wal-Mart, Napster and others.
Read more
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,64821,00.html?tw=wn_9techhead
EXTRA! WATCH THE DEBATES AND REGISTER TO VOTE
The presidential debates are here. President Bush and Senator Kerry squared off on September 30, and they meet two more times -- on October 8 and 13 at 9PM (EDT). Vice president Cheney and Senator Edwards debate on October 5, also at 9PM (EDT). We encourage you to watch and, more importantly, to vote. If you haven’t registered yet, take action now -- it might already be too late! You can find out your state’s deadline by visiting:
http://www.electionline.org/site/docs/html/voter_registration_deadlines.htm
To register to vote, go to:
http://www.freetoinnovate.com/gotv/
TECH TIP: REMOVE SPYWARE BEFORE YOU UPDATE WINDOWS XP
Spyware is unwanted and undetected software that monitors online activity and aids deceptive advertising practices. Fortunately, you can detect and destroy spyware with a variety of software tools. It’s also important to remove spyware before installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). To learn more and find links to spyware removal tools, visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx
If you want to install SP2, but don’t have a high-speed connection, you can order a free CD copy of the update by visiting:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us
Otherwise, just download SP2 by starting at this page:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.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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