Microsoft Pursues Patents Covering Processing Of XML Documents

Microsoft has attempted to stake out its own exclusive territory in the XML processing field. XML has been adopted as an industry-wide standard for exchanging and re-using data on the World Wide Web and elsewhere by different systems. Recently, patent applications in Europe (EP1376387) and Canada (CA2427122) filed by Microsoft came to light. These applications cover methods for a software program to read an XML document created by a word processor. (An earlier corresponding US application is apparently pending, but its content is yet to be disclosed.) This family of patent applications constitutes one of several owned by Microsoft directed to XML-related technology which have been recently published in a number of countries. This suggests an intention of the software giant to prevent application systems of other developers (such as those associated with word processing, database, CRM, or web services) from interoperating with components of its Office suite of programs using XML files, at least without a patent license. In light of recently announced moves by Microsoft to disclose parts of its proprietary XML technology, whether it will take with one hand what is given with the other remains to be seen. For another report on this subject, see: http://news.com.com/2100-1013_3-5146581.html?tag=nefd_top. To examine the patent documents mentioned above, see: EP1376387 and CA2427122. Summary by: Peter Wang