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EOLAS v. MICROSOFT

• The case that could change ltHTMLgt forever

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Case History

• Timeline
• 1996
• HTML code is changed when a team at the
  University of California comes up with tags that
  easily integrate external media with webpages.
• ltembedgt
• ltobjectgt
• ltappletgt

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• The ltembedgt tag
• Provides a method for web authors to easily
  post external web content.
• ex .MID, .MP3, .AVI, .MPG, .RA

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• The ltobjectgt tag
• This tag is frequently found in conjunction with
  complicated externally created active content.
  This tag is often used in conjunction with the
  ltembedgt tag.
• ex Flash, Shockwave

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• The ltappletgt tag
• Provides a method for a web author to post
  Java and ActiveX applets onto their web page.

Source code/website http//games.yahoo.com/g
ames/downloads/cb.html
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• 1999
• Eolas Technologies, Inc., a company which
  obtained permission to use the patented tags,
  sues Microsoft for infringement of patent law.

• 2003
• The verdict is rendered in August, siding with
  Eolas against Microsoft. Microsoft is ordered to
  pay Eolas Technologies, Inc. five hundred
  twenty-one million dollars. Microsoft
  immediately appeals.

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The Ramifications

• Microsoft was targeted as the largest company
  having committed the infringement. However, they
  are not the only company in violation of the law.
• Netscape
• Macromedia
• Apple
• Opera

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The Actions

• The legitimacy of the patent is being reviewed.
• Software companies are preparing software
  updates.
• Microsoft has ceased its preparations pending
  final verdict.

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The Options

• Rewrite HTML code
• Install program patches
• Pray for Microsoft

Sydney Crash, http//zem.squidly.org/bsod/images/b
sod-2.jpg, 2/15/2004
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References

• Authoring Websites for Compatibility with
  Internet Explorer for Windows FAQ.
  http//developer.apple.com/internet/ieembedfaq.htm
  l, 02/15/2004.
• Canellos, Michael and Hu, Jim. Microsoft ordered
  to pay 521 million. http//news.com.com/2100-1012
  -5062409.html, 02/15/2004.
• Hicks, Matt. Eolas Browser Verdict Against
  Microsoft Stands Despite Patent Review.
  http//www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1494416,00.as
  p