Microsoft yanks Custom XML from Word, offers patch to OEMs

From InfoWorld: Microsoft already has a patch available that strips out XML technology the company is barred from using after Jan. 11, in Word 2007 and Office 2007, according to a Microsoft Web site.

The patch targets large computer makers that factory-install Microsoft Office on new PCs before they're shipped to dealers or customers.

As ZDNet blogger Ed Bott first reported, Microsoft's OEM Partner Center now includes a prominent notice and a link to a 13MB update. "Microsoft has released a supplement for Office 2007 (October 2009)," the site reads. "The following patch is required [emphasis in original] for the United States.

"After this patch is installed, Word will no longer read the Custom XML elements contained within DOCX, DOCM, or XML files," the notice continues. "These files will continue to open, but any Custom XML elements will be removed."

Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District ordered Microsoft to stop selling current versions of Word and Office as of Jan. 11, 2010, part of a ruling that rejected Microsoft's appeal of a jury verdict that awarded Canadian developer i4i nearly $300 million in damages. The lower court judge in the patent infringeme

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