The BBC reports that Microsoft is to scrap a controversial clause in its licensing agreements in the wake of a raid on its Tokyo offices by the Japanese fair trading authorities. The Fair Trade Commission had said that the contract term, which stopped hardware manufacturers wanting to pre-install Windows on to their computers from challenging any of Microsoft’s patents, was unfair and restrictive. Nonetheless, Microsoft insists that the clause remains lawful under Japanese, American and EU law and has been removed merely for “customer satisfaction reasons”.
The IPKat welcomes Microsoft’s decision, though he notes that presumably the legality of the clause will not now be tested. He also wonders if Microsoft will extend its new policy to the EU and US.
Another pre-installed Windows story here
More pre-installed windows here, here and here
The IPKat welcomes Microsoft’s decision, though he notes that presumably the legality of the clause will not now be tested. He also wonders if Microsoft will extend its new policy to the EU and US.
Another pre-installed Windows story here
More pre-installed windows here, here and here
MICROSOFT DROPS ANTI-PATENT LITIGATION CLAUSE
![MICROSOFT DROPS ANTI-PATENT LITIGATION CLAUSE]()
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