They will have try to get a workaround so that they can get a little leverage in how much that they will have to pay i4i to not have to use it.
This hearkens back to the Microsoft vs. Stacker DOS 4.2 case, where MS had to pull a version of DOS and remove the stolen compression software.
If i4i does not get purchased, or calls MS’ bluff, I would advise those who use Word to turn off “automatic updates” for the time being.
I have the updates download automatically, but only the ones I choose install.