[Upd-discuss] Microsoft Declares Open Source Is Illegal!

[Michael Hart]

It looks like Microsoft is following the music and movie moguls in deciding
that lots of lawyers can substitute for innovation and creativity.  .



http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-6183437.html



Microsoft claims that free and open-source software violates 235 of its
patents, according to a magazine report published Sunday.

In an interview with Fortune, Microsoft top lawyer Brad Smith alleges that the
Linux kernel violates 42 Microsoft patents, while its user interface and other
design elements infringe on a further 65. OpenOffice.org is accused of
infringing 45, along with 83 more in other free and open-source programs,
according to Fortune.

It is not entirely clear how Microsoft might proceed in enforcing these
patents, but the company has been encouraging large tech companies that depend
on Linux to ink patent deals, starting with its controversial pact with Novell
last November. Microsoft has also cited Linux protection playing a role in
recent patent swap deals with Samsung and Fuji Xerox. Microsoft has also had
discussions but not reached a deal with Red Hat, as noted in the Fortune
article.



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