Microsoft alters Internet Explorer to design around Eolas patent

In March 2006, Microsoft had to update its Internet Explorer
browser following a patent dispute with University of California-backed company
Eolas Technologies. [IPBiz note: Eolas was created through the Bayh-Dole Act; the design-around suggests that Microsoft is mostly throwing in the towel on invalidating the patent, though the litigatin remains. The re-exam was concluded in the favor of Eolas.] The browser update changes how the browser handles web programs known as Activex controls.

Microsoft said end-users were expected to install the updated
Internet Explorer over the next four to six months through their usual software
update channels.

[from Computer Weekly, March 14, 2006]