Inventor: Miko Mullor or Microsoft (disputed)
Invention: Technology to bypass Windows activation process when OS is preloaded

Both Microsoft and Miko Mullor claim to own this invention. Miko Mullor is a former Microsoft employee, who is now the CEO of a company called Ancora. Let us look at both stories:

Miko Mullor’s story

Mullor joined Microsoft back in 2005. Before Microsoft hired him, he told them about his invention – a technology which allowed to bypass Windows activation process when the operating system is preloaded. He also told Microsoft’s lawyers about his company Ancora. He also told Microsoft’s anti-piracy group about his company, before joining.

Before joining Microsoft, he pitched the product to a Microsoft employee. After a while, Microsoft started developing this technology. The person to whom Mullor pitched the product was involved with the development of Microsoft’s activation technology.

In 2007, while still being a Microsoft employee, Mullor started lawsuits against Dell, HP, and Toshiba relating to his patent. Microsoft fired him for this reason. And the company filed a suit against him in retaliation. According to him, “The accusations made by Microsoft are shameful and dishonest”.

Microsoft’s story

Miko Muller had a clear plan when he joined Microsoft. His plan was to get a job there, to steal the information, and then to use that information to file a case against Microsoft on behalf of Ancora, his startup company. When he joined, he told Microsoft that his company was no longer trading. Once he joined, he started stealing information about the processes Microsoft had to allow the bypassing of the Windowd activation system when the OS is preloaded on to a machine. He downloaded files, and then by using software, tried to delete the traces of the downloads. However, Microsoft was able to obtain other conclusive evidence that he downloaded the files.

While still being a Microsoft employee, Muller started filing cases related to his patent against Dell, HP and Toshiba. The lawsuit was related to Windows, so these companies asked Microsoft to look into this.

After gathering evidence, Microsoft started its own lawsuit against Mullor. They accused him of theft of confidential documents, breach of content, fraud, and some more charges.

Microsoft is also claiming that they are entitled to a royalty free license for Ancora’s patent.