Microsoft Ordered to Pay $1.52 Billion for MP3 Patent Infringement

Microsoft must pay $1.52 billion for infringing on two Alcatel-Lucent patents involving MP3, a San Diego federal jury ruled today. This is the first of six patent lawsuits brought by Paris-based telecom equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent. Microsoft intends to “seek relief from the trial court, and if necessary appeal.”

Even for Microsoft, this fine is HUGE, not to mention needless. For once, I actually believe Microsoft is getting burned big time. The fine in no way scales with the “crime”.

Source: Daily Tech