Microsoft on Word ruling

Microsoft has filed a motion to avoid execution of the recent court judgment prohibiting the company from selling its Word software without code modifications. The motion is sealed, however, so the exact details have not been publicly disclosed.

The final judgment and permanent injunction outlined a wide range of requirements, primarily focusing on monetary damages and the ban on Word sales. It is unclear if Microsoft is attempting to delay payment of compensation to i4i until after the appeal, or if the attorneys are pushing for permission to sell Word beyond the 60 day time limit mandated by the injunction.

The patent blog Patently O suggests that Microsoft has a right to obtain a stay of relief after establishing a bond. The docket description for the recent filing indicates the company is also attempting to have the bond requirement waived. Preventing the injunctive relief, however, may prove to be more difficult.

Microsoft earlier in the year acknowledged plans to appeal the initial verdict that awarded i4i with $200 million in damages. The patent dispute involves technology relating to custom XML files. Although the judge's orders will effectively prohibit Microsoft from selling Word 2003 and Word 2007 in their current forms, the company can continue to sell the software if it is patched to disable functions relating to the i4i patents. [via Groklaw]

By Electronista Staff