Microsoft admits to copying idea then applies for patent on the 'borrowed' idea

[mandy]

This is my attempt at catchy headline writing. But the truth isn’t far off. It really should have said: Microsoft applies for patent for core BlueJ functionality.
And that’s really true. After blatantly copying BlueJ (without reference or attribution), Microsoft have now filed for patent for the functionality they knowingly copied from us.

Why? To sue us out of the market? To make us pay? Who knows. Sad fact is that this could destroy BlueJ...

Let’s get that clear: four months after [Microsoft] management were clearly aware of our prior work (and with developers being aware from the start), Microsoft knowingly filed a patent application claiming original invention of this mechanism...

full article: http://www.bluej.org/mrt/?p=21

[mandy]

Update:  Bad publicity triumphs yet again and forces a corporate giant to make changes.  Microsoft will withdraw its patent application.

Many thanks to the members of the community that brought this to my attention - and here's the latest.
The patent application was a mistake and one that should not have happened. To fix this, Microsoft will be removing the patent application. Our sincere apologies to Michael Kölling and the BlueJ community.
Jane

http://listserv.acm.org/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0701d&L=sigcse-members&F=&S=&P=2285  :turkey2:

[bargainbloodhound]

The patent application was a mistake

[BellisimaJ.]

Unethical companies suck.

[rose]

The patent application was a mistake