News that Microsoft has been fined for violating MP3 patents belonging to Alcatel-Lucent could have widespread fallout for the industry.
Experts now suggest the US ruling could lead to hundreds of firms - including Apple and RealNetworks - being pursued for payments relating to the format.
"Any of the companies that have licensed and implemented that technology have to have great concern about this verdict," said Microsoft vice president Thomas W Burt.
And it seems the Federal District Court in San Diego agrees - it ordered Microsoft to pay Alcatel $1.52bn, an award both companies say is the largest patent award in history.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6389501.stm
Patents