MS’s proprietary screen font for WinVista found to be nearly identical to a member of Linotype’s Fruitger family

On the left, Linotype’s Frutiger Com 45 Light XSF; on the right, Microsoft’s Segoe UI font. Does close count? The EU says ‘you bet!’. (sources: [1] Linotype Frutiger download page; [2] MSDN’s Aero Aesthetics-Segoe UI Font page )

Microsoft lost a legal battle–but not the kind you’d think.

Some time ago, [3] as reported here and by BetaNews.com, Microsoft announced the new “Segoe UI” (pronounced see-go) font would be a part of the upcoming Windows Vista next-generation operating system. Intended to replace Tahoma, this is to be for the screen only–user interfaces primarily (hence the designation “UI”).

As reported here by[4] Ars Technica, MS was denied IP rights to Segoe UI due to late-hour objections by the parent company of Linotype, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, who asserted that Segoe UI was a blatant copy of thier font, Frutiger 45 Light.

In proceedings before the European Union’s Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market, Invalidity Division, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen provided supporting documentation that the font specified was sold prior to 2005, and a specimen CD. Microsoft’s defense was reportedly weak, with thier lawyer conceding at one point that the two fonts should be taken as identical.

Microsoft’s application for rights was thus thrown out and the corporation was also directed to pay Heidelberger Druckmaschinen’s legal costs, as well as hefty fees if Segoe UI does show up in the final version of Windows Vista.

(thanks to tipster Alan DeWitt)