Microsoft takes $1.52 billion hit in MP3 patent case

In seattlepi.com

A Huge amount, even for Redmond giant.

Ok, this is only first stage, they’ll appeal.

Microsoft’s always been a strong supporter of software patents in Europe (notably through BSA funding). May be they gonna think twice now.
Even if they can settle the case for a reasonable amount of money, how long before they get a hit they can’t stand ?

How many more before people understand that software patents turn the world’s business into a minefield where nobody can master the risks ?

And like with any minefield, everybody gets hurt, everybody loses.