Microsoft allegedly stole S'pore firm's patented invention
By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 April 2009 1757 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGAPORE : Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, allegedly stole a Singapore company's patented invention used to deter piracy.

Media reports said Microsoft could pay more than US$558 million in royalties for that.

The lawyer for Uniloc Singapore, Paul Hayes, told jurors in a US court hearing that Microsoft saw the company's patent and used it without permission.

Uniloc claims that Microsoft used its security technology to earn billions of dollars.

But Microsoft argues it uses a different method to prevent the use of unauthorised copies of its software.

It also questioned whether Uniloc's patent covers a new invention, and said the patent is obvious and should be deemed invalid.

The trial in Providence, Rhode Island, began on March 23. - CNA/ms