Microsoft mouse suit ends
Seattle PI | at | by Mike
Microsoft ended a patent-infringement fight against Primax Electronics Ltd. of Taiwan after the Asian company agreed to pay royalties on computer-mouse technology.
Microsoft had filed a complaint in July at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, seeking to prevent Primax from selling its mice in the U.S., and a civil suit in federal court seeking cash. The Redmond-based company said it acted after the two sides failed to reach a licensing agreement.
The case marks a rare instance in which Microsoft has sued others for patent-infringement. It more frequently defends itself against lawsuits by patent owners. Microsoft said more than 30 companies have licensed its mouse technology, which is part of a broader company program to license hardware patents.