Microsoft is planning to announce today that it has been granted the 5,000th patent for the company. This milestone is an indication the software behemoth is pushing to boost its patent filings and then license its technology to other companies.



Anyway, this 5,000th patent in question is about the technology used to provide a distinct ’spectator experience’ for video games, something that is used extensively in the Xbox 360.



This makes Microsoft among the top five technology companies in terms of patent filings.



So, can we say Microsoft is trying to secure its future through patents? Well, there aren’t many new ideas left in software; the ones there are, they are going to be invaluable indeed. Now a patent is granted for a special ’spectator experience’. What else is left to grant a patent in? Anyway, better be safe than sorry. Patenting is fast picking up as a big business.



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