Microsoft Patent Clash Yields IE Update

On Tuesday, Microsoft released an Internet Explorer (IE) update pertaining to a long-running patent lawsuit filed by Eolas Technologies, an Internet startup, and the University of Calif., CNET News.com reports.

The update alters the way that some Web pages are displayed on users’ PCs, by changing how IE processes Internet programs called ActiveX controls, according to CNET News.com.

The Redmond, Wash.-based computer giant suggests that users install the update so they don’t have to perform extra clicks to view specific Web content, like Macromedia Flash-based animations, CNET News.com reports.

“We expect these changes will have little to no impact on customer experience and partner applications,” a Microsoft representative told CNET News.com on Tuesday.

Microsoft issued the update as damage control in the suit filed against it by Eolas, and it’s expecting another trail related to the case to begin later this year, CNET News.com reports.  Last March, a federal appeals court partially reversed another lower court’s ruling that ordered Microsoft to pay some $500 million in damages to Eolas, according to CNET News.com.

In September, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruled that the Eolas patent at issue was valid, CNET News.com reports.

For more Microsoft related news, read Microsoft Origami Details Unfold, Microsoft Confirms Vista Editions and Vista Raises More Antitrust Issues for Microsoft.

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