Microsoft Changes to IE for Eolas patent...
So I just read about Microsoft's changes to Internet Explorer to deal with the Eolas patent, and I must say, all this change does, in my opinion, is create nuisance to content developers and users, and while it may circumvent the patent (whether it does or doesn't I am withholding my opinion on), it doesn't prevent the fact that the ActiveX control or plugin still will load after a bit of Javascript.
Sometimes patent law frustrates me. Embedding object A into object B has been going on for over 10 years, and at this point, is what I'd consider something “trivial and common knowledge.” Then, a patent like this rears it's head after the technology has been around for a very long time, with the sheer intent of extracting money. I just don't like this type of behavior by companies. I know people often question Microsoft's business practices, but if there is no prior art to Eolas' patent, why weren't they knocking on Microsoft's door at the time of OLE hatching 10+ years ago?
Don Box, if you read this feed, what year did OLE start hatching? 1987-88?