Holy Toledo!
1.5 Billion Dollars. One point Five Billllion Dollars!
Microsoft get's fined 1.5 BILLION dollars: read this at ZDNet
A federal jury in San Diego has ordered Microsoft to pay $1.5 billion to Alcatel-Lucent in a patent dispute over MP3 audio technology used in Windows.
In its verdict, the jury assessed damages based on each Windows PC sold since May 2003. The case could have broader implications, should Alcatel-Lucent pursue claims against other companies that use the widespread MP3 technology.
This is an interesting verdict for several reasons.
- This is merely the end of the beginning not the beginning of the end. I expect Microsoft to appeal this decision for years.
- I wonder if Alcatel-Lucent will use this as a precendent setting event to go after some other companies.
- I wonder what sort of license agreement Microsoft actually has if they LOST this suit. Obviously it isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
- Is this going to be an impetus for Microsoft to extend some support for ogg vorbis?
Again, wow!