ActiveX update for Flash interaction

Microsoft released an update to its ActiveX technology in April 2006 that aims to circumvent a patent owned by Eolas and the University of California.

The update, if downloaded by Windows users, will disable all ActiveX elements on a webpage until users click on the page or until they press the tab and enter keys.

ActiveX is a technology inside Internet Explorer that enables the integration of interactive components in a web page.

The technology can power elements like animations and pop-up menus on a web page. It is used by a slew of applications including Acrobat Reader, Flash, Windows Media Player and RealPlayer.

A jury found in 2003 that Microsoft's browser infringed on a patent owned by Eolas and the University of California.

The software vendor was ordered to pay $521m in damages. Microsoft has vowed to fight the ruling, but has so far been unsuccessful in getting the patent invalidated.

The pending modifications will not alter the outcome of the previous lawsuit, but do ensure that Microsoft will not have to purchase a licence on the disputed patent.

The patch has been available as an optional download from Microsoft's website since February 2006.

If you are a current RLS2000.com customer and are experiencing any Flash interaction issues, please contact Tom Borish and we will make sure the problem is resolved.