Microsoft Sued For Copyright Infringement

It is common knowledge that Microsoft introduced digital rights management technology into the forthcoming Windows XP. However, a little-known California company named InterTrust is alleging that Microsoft has violated its patents for protecting digital media from theft and copyright infringement. Apparently, Microsoft's internal development of similar technologies has come too close to InterTrust's proprietary software.

InterTrust claims that the lawsuit will protect their patents.

The Santa Clara based InterTrust is asking the courts for unspecified monetary damages, though the damage to Microsoft would not be solely financial. They are asking that Microsoft discontinue use of key components of its digital management technology. Microsoft has incorporated these into Windows Media Player, and even Windows itself. Product development has the potential to be delayed if InterTrust prevails in the courtroom.

Given the significant changes in how music is distributed due to the Internet, record companies have warmed up to the idea of Windows including such technologies in Windows. Music will continue to have presence online, but record companies want to exert some control over its availability. Microsoft fully intends to accommodate them, and support the distribution of copyrighted media.

When asked about the pending lawsuit, Microsoft spokesperson Jin Cullin commented, "Microsoft has innovated heavily in the area of Digital Rights Management for many years and it is unfortunate that InterTrust has chosen to resort to the courts rather than competing in the marketplace. We can’t comment on the specifics of the suit since we just received it."