Reuters
Microsoft Loses $521 Million Verdict
Monday August 11, 5:33 pm ET
SEATTLE (Reuters) - A federal jury in Chicago awarded the University of California and a browser technology company $521 million after finding that their patents were infringed by Microsoft Corp. (NasdaqNM:MSFT - News)
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The suit, originally brought against the world's largest software maker in 1999 by Eolas Technologies Inc., charged that Microsoft had used Eolas' patented Web browser technology that allows other mini-applications to work with Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser, according to court documents.
Eolas had argued that the technology for "plug-ins" and "applets" made it possible for Microsoft to compete against the Netscape Navigator browser, which was overtaken by Microsoft in the late 1990s. Eolas had sued Microsoft for $1.2 billion.
"While today's outcome is disappointing we do plan to appeal this decision," a Microsoft spokesman said. "We're confident the facts will support our position."
Microsoft had argued that its Web browser technology was different from that offered by Eolas, a closely held Illinois company founded by former University of California professor Michael Doyle.
The patent in question is U.S. Patent No. 5,838,906, granted in 1998.
