A US court on Friday ruled that Microsoft must face a lawsuit
alleging that the software giant is using unlicensed patented
technology in its Internet Explorer browser, according to media
reports. The lawsuit was filed by the University of California.22 Oct 2002
The University and Eolas Technologies sued Microsoft in 1999, claiming that Internet Explorer is infringing on a patent covering a method that allows web browsers to access interactive application programs.
Microsoft was seeking dismissal of the case, claiming that its browser's functions are not using the technology covered by the patent in dispute.
The US District Judge apparently rejected Microsoft's argument, reasoning that both sides did not submit sufficient evidence and therefore "too many" issues are in dispute.