Microsoft Corp is now distributing pre-release copies of MS-DOS 6.0, which includes a data compression feature, and Stac Electronics Inc is mad as hell about it because the Carlsbad, California company reckons that the software infringes two of its Stacker compression patents: it has filed suit in US District Court in Los Angeles charging infringement in Microsoft’s manufacturing, using, testing and distributing pre-release copies of MS-DOS 6; it seeks an injunction over the alleged infringement, and damages; the legal papers outline a long chain of events where Microsoft tried and failed to reach agreement with Stac on licensing the software because according to Stac it was not prepared additionally to pay a royalty for use of the patents, before finally putting together something it calls DoubleSpace, which is the subject of the suit.
