microsoft inventions

Patent Theft – Microsoft Vs Ex-Employee – Who Is The Thief?

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 Continue reading →

Microsoft Patent Allows Smart Phones To Dock

Inventor: Microsoft
Invention: Smart Phone Docking Technology

Microsoft has patented smart phone docking technology. This will allow smart phones to connect to network peripherals like personal computers. The technology will use a USB port for doing so. A lot of devices can be connected using this technology, including cameras, printers, speakers, storage devices and television screens.

Patent Abstract :

“A universal smart interface and peripheral management system for portable devices such as mobile phones. The smart system includes a connector interface that connects peripherals to a phone and/or personal digital assistant (PDA), through the smart system. The smart system includes a cradle for receiving a cell phone and interfacing the phone to external systems such as peripherals, networks and other systems through a USB hub and other suitable connector interfaces. The peripheral devices to which the smart system can interface include, but are not limited to, large displays (e.g., television), external monitors, input devices such as mice and keyboards, external storage devices, and networks (wired and/or wireless). The smart system also facilitates connectivity to large display systems such as TVs, computer displays and monitors. ”

Here is the link to the patent application: patent application for smart phone docking technology