Microsoft lost a $521 million patent infringement lawsuit by Chicago-based Eolas and the University of California concerning the methods used to embed media on web pages via an ActiveX control. Microsoft recently notified ActiveX control vendors and content providers of the coming changes, which will be included in all future releases of Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. A white paper detailing the ActiveX changes has been published on the MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network).

Basically, the change is this: Users won't be able to directly interact with Microsoft ActiveX controls loaded by the APPLET, EMBED or OBJECT elements, if the elements are included in the web page, without first activating the user interface with an extra mouse click.

We are providing this workaround to our customers so that visitors to their sites will not face this inconvenience. Through this workaround, the APPLET, OBJECT, and EMBED tags used to embed virtual tours on web pages will not be included on the page in the HTML code, but will be written by an external javascript file (UnWrapperApplets.js).

Our new Publisher changes the way tour parameters are loaded and written to the browser. We believe this is the best solution to this issue, eliminates the need for vistors to click to interact with a virtual tour, and is outside the scope of the EOLAS/UC patent.

We make NO claims or guarantees of function or usability of this method, and DO NOT guarantee that this is outside the scope of any patent. Use at your own risk! By using this code, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 0-360.com, a division of Bellissimo, Inc., and its assigns, against any claims of patent infringement or other damages.

NOTE: Menu0360.class is a proprietary java applet developed by 0-360.com. Its function is to create a separate applet from which to control a PTViewer applet by pull-down menu. It is free to our customers, but only for use with images produced by the 0-360 Panoramic Optic™. It is not freeware, and is not distributed under the GNU License. Use with images other than those from the 0-360 Panoramic Optic is strictly prohbited. If you would like to purchase or license Menu0360 for use with other images, please contact us at [email protected].

Questions? Email us at [email protected].