Microsoft Loses Patent Appeal On Office And Word

It seems that Microsoft has lost its appeal in its legal battle with Canadian company i4i. The dispute involves XML code that is included in Microsoft Word 2007 and Office 2007, and this latest updated would require Microsoft to pay $290 million and also yank Word 2007 and Office 2007 off the shelves effective Jan 11th 2010. Copies of said products sold before that date are not affected, and Microsoft is already in the process of removing the offending code, and should have copies of Word 2007 and Office 2007 ready for sale and distribution on the injunction date. More importantly, Microsoft has also confirmed that Office 2010 is not affected by this ruling, and will be launching on time in mid-2010.