● 05.13.07

●● Microsoft Gets Specific, Sorta

Posted in Action, Free/Libre Software, FSF, GNU/Linux, GPL, Intellectual Monopoly, Microsoft, Novell, Patent Covenant, Patents at 8:31 pm by Shane Coyle

Well, as Roy just recently pointed out, here (finally) comes Microsoft’s legal attack on Free Software.

Ever since the Microvell deal, both companies have gone to great pains to paint the deal as a non-specific patent cooperation agreement, but lately it appears that the true nature of the agreement is finally coming to light. Novell agreed to pay Microsoft royalties on "certain open source offerings shipped under the agreement" in exchange for a promise from MS not to enforce their perceived patent rights against Novell customers and contributors.

As is well known, FUD is best when it is non-specific and thus unimpeachable. In earlier statements, Microsoft has been very careful to never make any concrete statement regarding potential infringement, but now they are apparently confident enough to start listing some statistics – meaning they have, indeed, performed a detailed analysis and should be able to respond to any requests for specificity in regards to their legal claims.

I look forward to the next few days, you can be sure that some of the larger Linux-related companies and organizations out there will take some exception to Mr Smith’s assertions. It appears that we are on the eve of the "Patent Apocalypse", and I for one am looking forward to the fight.

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