Microsoft Gets Quick Word Appeal

Microsoft's appeal against the injunction to stop selling Word has been fast-tracked, but judges refuse to nullify the injunction altogether.

It’s good news and bad news for Microsoft. A panel of federal judges has refused to set aside the injunction that would mean the company has to stop selling its Word software in October. On the bright side, its appeal against the injunction is being fast-tracked.

An oral hearing has been set for 23 September. A Microsoft spokesman said:

"We believe the court erred in its interpretation and application of the law in this case and look forward to the 23 September hearing before the US Court of Appeals."

Earlier this month an East Texas judge found Microsoft guilty of infringing a patent held by Canadian company i4i, and hot Redmond’s finest with a $290 million fine and a ban on selling Word.