In this article, the author explores the strategic use of patents and shares an interesting patent lawsuit between i4i Limited and Microsoft. The lawsuit revolved around a patent owned by i4i that covered the use of custom XML encoding in Word, which Microsoft had incorporated into its word processor. Microsoft attempted to invalidate the patent by filing for re-examination, but ultimately, i4i won a $200 million judgment and an injunction against Microsoft. The article highlights the complexity of software patents and the need for patent reform. It also mentions recent patent-related news, such as the increasing number of 5G wireless patents and a possible overhaul of essential patents rules in the European Union.
https://blog.withedge.com/p/when-xml-in-word-became-illegal