Microsoft is preparing changes to its Internet Explorer
browser because of a patent verdict against it. Experts said the
changes could affect a large number of existing web
pages.
"In response to the ruling, we are evaluating our options and
may take precautionary steps in terms of any changes we may need to
make to IE," Microsoft spokesman Jim Desler said. He declined to
detail what sort of changes Microsoft has in mind.
Last month a Chicago jury ordered Microsoft to pay $520.6m in
damages to Eolas Technologies and the University of California
after finding that Microsoft improperly included technology in
Internet Explorer that allows interactive content to be embedded in
a website. [See "Microsoft ordered to pay $521M in patent dispute,"
Aug. 11.]
Desler added that Microsoft did not expect changes to Internet
Explorer to have a significant or widespread impact. The World Wide
Web Consortium (W3C), however, believed that changes in Microsoft's
browser could affect a large number of websites, said W3C chief
operating officer Steven Bratt.
Microsoft is involving the technology industry and relevant
standards bodies, such as the W3C, in its investigation into the
changes it may have to make to IE. "We want to inform them about
our thinking on this matter and get their feedback and input,"
Desler said.
The W3C held a meeting last month to discuss the fallout of the
patent case. Attendees agreed that a response to the case should
minimise the effects of changes to web software, websites and the
user experience.
According to the W3C, Microsoft will make changes to Internet
Explorer "very soon" , but Microsoft's Desler said it was
"premature to get into any details in terms of what Microsoft may
or may not do".
Microsoft plans to appeal against the jury verdict once the
court has finished dealing with post-trial motions and enters a
final judgment in the case, Desler said. This is expected in the
coming months.
Joris Evers writes for IDG News Service