Microsoft wins one, loses one in Java case

Judge Ronald Whyte tentatively ruled Tuesday that the Java code Microsoftused in its Internet Explorer 4.0 Web browser and Windows 98 infringed onSun Microsystem's Java copyright. But the judge also ruled that Microsoftwas free to develop Java-related software that doesn't rely on Sun'sintellectual property. The tentative rulings, which come a month beforeMicrosoft and Sun will make oral arguments in the case, are non-binding. Thejudge will decide whether to change his preliminary ruling based on thearguments he'll hear beginning June 24.

The good news for Microsoft, apparently, is that it can create"independently developed" software tools (such as Visual J++, presumably)that do not violate any Sun copyright, patent, or other intellectualproperty. This could well mean that Microsoft continues development of itsJava tools, whose future is still uncertain