Microsoft removing XML support in wake of legal decision
Not wasting any time, Microsoft has started removing XML support from Office 2007.
Yesterday we brought you the news that Microsoft had lost its appeal over a patent infringement case in regards to the use of extensible markup language (XML) in the 2003 and 2007 versions of the word processing program Word. The judgment was in favor of a small Canadian software company named i4i Ltd. for $290 million and an injunction against all future sales of the program
It seems that Microsoft was expecting this decision and, according to ZD Net, began warning computer manufacturers on Monday that a mandatory update was required before any future editions of the program went out to consumers. As for stock that is on store shelves, Microsoft is working to replace those copies prior to Jan. 11 when the ruling goes into effect.
In a prepared statement from Microsoft, the company is quick to point out that this is not a major issue for users of Word:
With respect to Microsoft Word 2007 and Microsoft Office 2007, we have been preparing for this possibility since the District Court issued its injunction in August 2009 and have put the wheels in motion to remove this little-used feature from these products. Therefore, we expect to have copies of Microsoft Word 2007 and Office 2007, with this feature removed, available for U.S. sale and distribution by the injunction date. In addition, the beta versions of Microsoft Word 2010 and Microsoft Office 2010, which are available now for downloading, do not contain the technology covered by the injunction.
While we are moving quickly to address the injunction issue, we are also considering our legal options, which could include a request for a rehearing by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals en banc or a request for a writ of certiorari from the U.S. Supreme Court.
This ruling only applies to the United States, so users in other countries should see no effect at this time, if ever.
Related Posts:
