Microsoft hit with patent suit over update tech
Microsoft is facing another patent infringement suit, this time over the technology it uses to automatically update Windows, Office, and other programs.
In a lawsuit filed March 20, BackWeb Technologies charges that Microsoft's Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), as well as Windows Update and other products, infringe four of BackWeb's patents. BackWeb, which is based in Israel and has U.S. offices in San Jose, Calif., filed the complaint in U.S. District Court in San Francisco.
BackWeb seeks, among other things, an injunction against Microsoft, a declaration that BackWeb's patents are valid, and monetary damages.
A Microsoft representative said the company has yet to be served with court papers, so it would be "premature" to comment.
BackWeb was an early leader in the technology for "pushing" data onto a computer.
The full lawsuit is posted as a PDF file on BackWeb's site.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
- by BtmnHatesRbn March 26, 2009 4:57 PM PDT
- Apple and Microsoft have been, since 1995 for Microsoft, and 1993 for Apple, providing on-line updates. This is bogus and needs to be called as such.
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