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Symantec, Microsoft Prepare For War
Doug Caverly
Staff Writer
2006-08-25
 Insider Reports RSS Feed
Symantec and Microsoft are gearing up for a major court battle. Unfortunately, we're not going to be privy to most of the details - they won't become a part of the public record. Tracing the number of suits and countersuits between the two companies creates an interesting picture of their dispute, however.
A CNET article gave a good description of the proceedings. "After initial courtroom sparring," during which Symantec sued Microsoft, "the gloves have come off. Microsoft countersued in late June, alleging Symantec violated three of its patents. It also challenged the validity of the Symantec patent central to that company's case."
An interview with an associate general counsel for Microsoft also yielded an interesting quote. "Symantec's claims are unfounded because Microsoft actually purchased intellectual property rights for all relevant technologies from Veritas (Software) in 2004," Steve Aeschbacher claimed, according to CNET's Joris Evers. "We believe Symantec is infringing on our intellectual property."
Symantec "strongly believes in the merits of its case and the validity of its patent claims,' as well, Evers reported, but was less willing to talk about the cases. And yet, "while Microsoft hopes to schedule the Markman hearing in April, Symantec wants to hold off discussion until the court has appointed a specialist on patent issues."
The security company is seeking an injunction that, "if granted . . . would put a halt on Windows Vista and the Longhorn server." Microsoft has already delayed those products a number of times, to growing cries of frustration from retailers. Another setback would have a definite financial effect on the company.
As for when any of this might be settled, "no trial date has been set. Both parties are scheduled to appear in court for another status conference on Nov. 11," however.
Tag: Symantec, Microsoft
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About the Author:
Doug is a staff writer for SecurityProNews, InternetFinancialNews, SearchNewz, and WebProNews.
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