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OIN stands ready to protect Linux from patent attack

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Linux

Having formed last year to provide Linux with intellectual property (IP) protection, the Open Invention Network has declared itself ready to respond to Microsoft Corp's 'baseless' claims that Linux contains its IP.

The New York-based patent stockpiler was formed in November 2005 by IBM, Red Hat, Novell, Philips and Sony to acquire patents, offering them royalty-free to Linux supporters and using them as a defensive weapon against patent attacks.

The non-profit organization now finds itself in the surprising position of chastising one of its members. CEO Jerry Rosenthal has stated that Novell's patent covenant agreement with Microsoft, which has prompted Redmond's claims against Linux, was unnecessary.

"Through the accumulation of patents that may be used to shield the Linux environment, including users of Linux software, OIN has obviated the need for offers of protection from others," he wrote, adding that the OIN has stockpiled "more than 100 strategic, worldwide patents and patent applications."

Full Story.

86% of Linux users believe Novell/Microsoft deal is bad

In a poll conducted on the OpenAddict website, 86% of 1071 readers surveyed believe that the recent Novell/Microsoft deal is bad or unsure of the outcome for the Linux market. Of those surveyed only 14% believe the deal is actually good or has immediate benefit. This poll was not a scientific poll and the percentage of error was calculated to be 2.99% at 95% confidence.

You can view the full results of this poll here.

Polls here at Tuxmachines found that the community is split almost right down the center when considering a boycott of Novell products with 41% for and 46% against, with 13% undecided.

After the Novell & M$ public clarifications, 71% feel the deal will probably fall through while 29% think it won't. That poll results here.

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You talk the talk, but do you waddle the waddle?

A Novellization clause for the next GPL

Forget about Tivoization. How about adding a clause to the next version of the GPL that counters Novellization? The clause would say (in proper legalese), that if any code infringes on intellectual property or patents held by third parties, and the third parties take legal action, the contributors of the offending code assume 100% liability. In short, if Novell injects Microsoft IP into open source and Microsoft wants to sue, it must sue Novell and nobody else, because Novell assumes liability under this new license. This would render any "promise not to sue the end customer" agreement with Novell meaningless.

Full Post.

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You talk the talk, but do you waddle the waddle?

Microsoft's Ballmer Rekindles Linux Patent Fears

For the second time in two years, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer last week played the patent infringement card against Linux and again set off a round of negative speculation and vendor clarifications.

In addition, experts wondered why Microsoft after a few years of trying to be a responsible industry leader was reverting to such negative tactics.

Two years ago at the Microsoft-sponsored Asian Government Leaders summit in Singapore, Ballmer said Linux infringes on more than 200 patents. He said, "someday, for all countries that are entering WTO [the World Trade Organization], somebody will come and look for money to pay for the patent rights for that intellectual property."

Some observers say the possibility of Ballmer asserting rights to patents that Linux may have potentially infringed upon is slim.

Full Story.

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You talk the talk, but do you waddle the waddle?

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