It's not the whole case, but CNet reports that Microsoft has lost an important ruling in the case brought against it by small software and technology company InterTrust Technologies.

The case involves the use of Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology and patents currently held by InterTrust. The company has a detailed description of their claims on their web site.

However, the article points out that the hearing (called a Markman hearing) is hardly the end of the suit, but instead just the grounds for proceeding. It does work in the company's favor, though, as it clarifies some of the claims being made and gives them a stronger case.

For those interested, a description of the meaning of a Markman hearing (named after the Supreme Court case Markman v. Westview Instruments) is available from Townsend and Townsend and Crew.