Interesting People mailing list archives
Re: Microsoft claims that Linux infringers 235 patents
From: David Farber <dave () farber net>
Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 16:29:40 -0400
Begin forwarded message: From: Karl Auerbach <karl () cavebear com> Date: May 14, 2007 4:22:41 PM EDT To: dave () farber net Cc: ip () v2 listbox com Subject: Re: [IP] Microsoft claims that Linux infringers 235 patents David Farber wrote:
From: "Steven M. Bellovin" <smb () cs columbia edu> Date: May 14, 2007 3:25:25 PM EDT
Subject: Microsoft claims that Linux infringers 235 patents
Mind you, they won't say which patents are infringed, or by what code, or what they plan to do.
My laptop has a Microsoft Windows license sticker on it. I paid the Microsoft license fee when I bought it, I had no choice. But that machine runs Linux. In my book, I've paid Microsoft a tithe already.
Suppose Microsoft had come out and said "RedHat's products are the result of theft", IBM's operating systems contain stolen material", or "Sun Microsystems steals".
If such accusations were not true then might one wonder whether Microsoft would be engaged in the tort of defamation of a business or interference with the contractual relationships of another business?
Is there any real difference between the accusation of theft in my hypothetical and the blanket accusation that Microsoft is making against every one engaged in the Linux and Open Office business?
In the absence of an actual list of the patents involved and at least some minimal explanation of how they are being infringed one would wonder whether Microsoft has gone beyond mere FUD and is instead acting with reckless disregard of the truth and with a craven intention of destroying a rival.
In recent years the concern about the Microsoft monopoly has diminished. Perhaps the dragon was merely resting.
--karl-- ------------------------------------------- Archives: http://v2.listbox.com/member/archive/247/=now RSS Feed: http://v2.listbox.com/member/archive/rss/247/ Powered by Listbox: http://www.listbox.com
Current thread:
- Microsoft claims that Linux infringers 235 patents David Farber (May 14)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- Re: Microsoft claims that Linux infringers 235 patents David Farber (May 14)