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Microsoft MP3 fine overturned
08/07/07 – A fine imposed on Microsoft for infringing music patents has been dropped by a US district court. The Window's manufacturer had been ordered to pay Alcatel-Lucent $1.52bn (£777m) after it was ruled that Microsoft's Media Player infringed on two Alcatel patents.The ruling judge, Rudi Brewster, advised that he did not believe that Microsoft had broken patent regulations as they paid German firm Fraunhofer $16m to use one of the patents.
Because Fraunhofer had not sued Brewster ruled that Microsoft was not guilty.
The patents covered the process through which audio is converted to the MP3 format.
In a statement Microsoft claimed that the ruling was a "victory for consumers," Alcatel have vowed to appeal against the decision.
Alcatel-Lucent spokesperson Mary Lou Ambrus said: "This reversal of the judge's own pre-trial and post-trial rulings is shocking and disturbing."
If Alcatel's appeal is successful the judge said he would grant a new trial but would not reinstate the fine.
The ruling could spell good news for both Dell and Gateway who are facing six cases from Alcatel regarding license technology law breaches.
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Published Date: 2007-08-08 14:26:12Subscribe to our RSS News feed:
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