Tech Watch | InfoWorld Staff » MS official denies RSS grab

December 26, 2006 | Comments: (0)

MS official denies RSS grab

TAGS: Microsoft

Microsoft has responded to bloggers' claims it was trying to patent RSS, saying its applications last week for RSS-related patents do not change its commitment to the standards-based format.

InfoWorld-hosted Open Sources wrote:

Just what the world needs--Microsoft to claim control over something they didn't create. I'm not even sure how it makes sense if the context is just the Vista OS...

Microsoft responded in blogs over the Holiday weekend, with Microsoft RSS lead Sean Lyndersay posting in his blog regarding the patent applications (see 1 and 2):

From the beginning we have sought an open and reasonable relationship with the RSS community. As one example, we have published various RSS and Atom extensions under a Creative Commons license. These specifications provide proof of our commitment to offer our contributions to the community and evidence of our efforts to advance the technology. We honestly hope that our work brings benefit to all feed publishers, developers and users, and we've been happy with the response we have received from the community so far.

Finally, as a number of commenters have noted, we are far from the only company to apply for patent protection in this space. Other companies, including Apple and Google, have apparently also applied for patents. Applying for a patent on your innovation is common industry practice, and one which, by incenting and protecting the companies and people involved, encourages everyone to contribute to the community.

Are your concerns hosed down enough for you to rest easy with that Microsoft is just in it for everyone? Talk back to us.

Posted by Mike Barton on December 26, 2006 12:18 PM

RATE THIS ARTICLE: