Jurors hear closing arguments in browser technology case

Dom · Aug 9, 2003, 01:59 AM

Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer Web browser relied upon a "revolutionary" invention by University of California researchers, a lawyer for Eolas Technologies Inc. told jurors yesterday in closing arguments in a lawsuit in federal court in Chicago.

But Redmond-based Microsoft said the invention didn't work and rejected claims that it infringed patents for a method of allowing an Internet browser to access interactive software programs. Microsoft argued that the technology used in its Web browser is fundamentally different from Eolas' patented invention.

Jurors are being asked to determine whether Microsoft owes as much as $1.2 billion to the university and Eolas, a closely held company founded by former professor Michael Doyle.

Chicago-based Eolas claims the invention enabled Microsoft to compete with the Netscape Navigator browser, now owned by AOL Time Warner Inc.

The two sides presented their arguments yesterday after a month of testimony. The jurors considered the case for about an hour before breaking for the day; they will resume deliberations on Monday.

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Source: SeattlePI

Aug 9, 2003, 01:59 AM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Jurors hear closing arguments in browser technology case Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer Web browser relied upon a "revolutionary" invention by University of California researchers, a lawyer for Eolas Technologies Inc. told jurors yesterday in closing arguments in a lawsuit in federal court in Chicago. But Redmond-based Microsoft said the invention didn't work and rejected claims that it infringed patents for a method of allowing an Internet browser to access interactive software programs. Microsoft argued that the technology used in its Web browser is fundamentally different from Eolas' patented invention. Jurors are being asked to determine whether Microsoft owes as much as $1.2 billion to the university and Eolas, a closely held company founded by former professor Michael Doyle. Chicago-based Eolas claims the invention enabled Microsoft to compete with the Netscape Navigator browser, now owned by AOL Time Warner Inc. The two sides presented their arguments yesterday after a month of testimony. The jurors considered the case for about an hour before breaking for the day; they will resume deliberations on Monday. ______________________ Source: SeattlePI