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z4 Technologies vs Microsoft Corp. and Autodesk Inc. Bernardo de Seabra Computer Science UC Berkeley www.bseabra.net September 22 nd , 2008 IEOR 190G – Patent Engineering. Patent Abstract.
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z4 TechnologiesvsMicrosoft Corp. and Autodesk Inc. Bernardo de Seabra Computer Science UC Berkeley www.bseabra.net September 22nd, 2008 IEOR 190G – Patent Engineering
Patent Abstract • “A method and apparatus for securing software to reduce unauthorized use include associating a password or series of passwords with each copy of group of authorized software and requiring entry of a first password obtained from the developer or authorized representative of the software after exchanging registration information”
In Other Words… • Enter two passwords to activate software
z4 Technologies • Products using the patented technology: NONE
Claims • z4 Technologies: • Invented product activation software to prevent illegal copying that was used in Microsoft's Office and Windows XP and Autodesk's AutoCAD • Microsoft/Autodesk: • Use their own software and that z4 Technologies' patents didn't contain new inventions
Court Ruling • Microsoft: • Pay z4 Technologies $115 million awarded by the jury, $25 million in enhanced damages and almost $2 million in legal fees, plus interest • Autodesk: • Pay z4 Technologies the $18 million imposed by the jury plus $322,000 in legal fees, plus interest
Key Point • Patent Law is flawed: • Although it is supposed to protect and promote innovation it can also be used to prevent innovation.