Belkin and Microsoft make nice, settle U2 lawsuit

No, we're not talking Apples and Apples here, nor does this have anything to do with Bono (nor the Edge, actually); rather, Belkin and Microsoft have finally made nice regarding Belkin's consistent use of Microsoft's "U2 technology," which allows keyboard and mice to detect what type of connection (USB or PS/2) is needed. While other accessory makers, namely Targus and Fellowes, have been paying Gates and Co. royalties for years to borrow said technology, Belkin has been resisting the pressure "for more than two years." Eventually the misalignment between companies came to blows, creating a lawsuit that suggested Belkin pay fees for using the detection technology in its third-party peripherals. The decision was settled when Belkin finally agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to the Redmond giant to continue using its patented U2 goodness, and both sides actually went so far as to say they were "pleased" with the outcome. C'mon folks, can't we just learn from this and all strive to get along?

[Vasisht @ Dec 10th 2006 12:05AM]

Oh, PS/2. I can't live with or without you

[abhas1 @ Dec 10th 2006 11:29AM]

Well, now that that's settled, let's go back that place we call vertigo...

[Steve T @ Dec 10th 2006 11:37AM]

It's absolutely disgusting that a company such as Microsoft is able to have so much control over this industry that it can command other companies to pay to use a technology regarding communication of devices. I can understand if they wanted to use Microsoft's GUI on a device but c'mon man. This industry is getting ridiculaous. There is more than enough money to go around. Heck, if one day we run out, just sell Bill Gates house and we can pay for everyone else's future. Then again, maybe we should just go out and steal some technology (oh, maybe from a company like Xerox) and put our name on it and call it our own. Then we can tell the world they can't use it without paying. Hmmm. SOunds good to me.

[Infurnus @ Dec 10th 2006 1:20PM]

If you think THIS industry is ridiculous then check out the game industry.

[Russell @ Dec 10th 2006 4:33PM]

Steve -

Microsoft invented the method for the mouse to determine whether it's pinouts were connected to USB or PS2.

If you didn't realize, Microsoft has been making peripherals including mice for a very long time, probably longer than belkin.

If anything you should be bashing Belkin for ripping off a patent and then making shoddy peripherals.

(Ok, so that last one is just IMO :) )

[tekdemon @ Dec 10th 2006 6:10PM]

I wonder what logitech uses