InterTrust broadens suit against Microsoft

Digital rights management company InterTrust Technologies says it has expanded a lawsuit filed against Microsoft, alleging the software giant's Windows File Protection infringes on an InterTrust patent issued three years ago. The patent covers technologies and methods for protecting software and files as they are loaded and executed on operating systems. Windows File Protection, used in Windows XP and Windows 2000, prevents overwriting or replacement of certain system files.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based InterTrust makes software that protects songs and videos from being illegally copied. InterTrust has filed two patent infringement suits against Microsoft. In April 2001, it targeted music and video software in Windows Media Player; that suit was later expanded to include Microsoft's Windows XP operating system and .Net initiative. Last month, InterTrust filed a second suit targeting technology that helps connect audio players and other peripherals to PCs.