U.S. Agency Reviewing Internet-Related Patent

In an unusual move, the Patent and Trademark Office is reconsidering a patent affecting Internet pages that critics contend could disrupt millions of Web sites.

Citing “a substantial outcry from a widespread segment of the affected industry,” Deputy Patent Commissioner Stephen G. Kunin ordered the agency’s examiners to reconsider the patent they awarded in November 1998 to three University of California researchers.

The patent affects how Internet sites build into Web pages small interactive programs that power features such as banner ads and interactive customer service.

Eolas Technologies Inc., which was founded by one of the inventors and has licensed the patent exclusively, has begun enforcing its claims and recently won a $520-million jury award against Microsoft Corp., which quickly appealed the judgment.

From Associated Press