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Apple Sues Microsoft and Intel Over QuickTime Copyright Infringement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Apple Computer Inc. has taken Microsoft and Intel to court for allegedly duplicating and distributing code from its QuickTime for Windows multimedia software. The lawsuit, filed earlier this month, claims that the companies used several thousand lines of programming code to bypass the Windows Graphic Display Interface and improve the performance of Microsoft's Video for Windows. Apple alleges that this action is an attempt to boost the performance of Video for Windows and for Microsoft's own market gain. Introduced in November 1992, QuickTime for Windows offered a standard way for users of Windows-based PCs to play back video and audio in multimedia applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple is suing Microsoft and Intel for allegedly duplicating and distributing code from its QuickTime for Windows multimedia software.
  • The disputed technology is a low-level driver code, but Apple claims it is a key part of Video for Windows.
  • Microsoft says it had the right to use the code under its licensing with Intel and that Apple did not respond to requests for relevant facts to resolve the issue.
  • Apple offered to let a neutral expert review the disputed code to substantiate its authorship but was declined by Microsoft and Intel.
  • Third-party developers have been unknowingly drawn into this matter, and Apple has dropped all licensing fees for QuickTime and QuickTime for Windows on desktop systems to help them avoid litigation.
  • Apple is providing an amnesty program for third-party developers who sign an agreement available from the company, allowing them to continue using Apple technology without fear of litigation.
  • The disputed code was allegedly used in the Intel-Microsoft program called DCI (Display Control Interface) and the Microsoft Video for Windows Developer Kit, Version 1.1D.
  • Apple's leadership position in the multimedia market is at stake, and the company believes its research and development efforts are being unfairly undermined.

Statistics:

  • The disputed technology involves "several thousand lines of programming code."
  • Apple's licensing fees for QuickTime and QuickTime for Windows on desktop systems have been dropped.
  • Third-party developers who sign Apple's amnesty program will be allowed to continue using Apple technology without fear of litigation.

Sources:

  • "Apple Adds Copyright Suit Against Intel, Microsoft and San Francisco Canyon Co." by Apple Computer Inc. (December 1993)
  • Interview with David Nagel, general manager of AppleSoft, on the Apple-Intel-Microsoft lawsuit (mentioned, but no specific date)
  • Product Announcement: QuickTime for Windows (November 1992)

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