Microsoft patent dispute heats up

InterTrust, which makes software that protects songs and videos from being illegally copied, alleges (jn it's second patent infringement lawsuit against Microsoft) that Microsoft infringed on its patent for technology that certifies and authenticates drivers. Driver software allows computer peripherals -- such as printers, game consoles, and audio and video players -- to connect with computers. InterTrust's technology, which was awarded a patent in December 2000, ensures that the drivers are compatible with an operating system.

InterTrust said its lawsuit aims at Microsoft's "Plug and Play" Driver Certification Program, which it cites as an important component of the software company's new security initiative. InterTrust said it believes the program is also central to Windows XP and other Microsoft operating system products.

"What this lawsuit demonstrates is the importance of trusted computing to the market in general and that InterTrust's core set of inventions starting in the early to mid-1990s anticipated what others, like Microsoft, now realize in 2002 is very important," said Ed Fish, executive vice president of InterTrust. "InterTrust is prepared and has the resources to see this all the way through."

News source: CNet News