LXer: Microsoft's Patent War Against Linux: TomTom Settles, Linux Loses

LXer · 04-07-2009, 09:50 PM

Published at LXer:

What Microsoft really wants from TomTom isn't money, but building fear about Linux in other companies. Microsoft wants you to believe you need a Microsoft license to deploy Open Source software. Bruce Perens analyzes the unfortunate outcome of the TomTom/Microsoft patent settlement.

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H_TeXMeX_H · 04-08-2009, 05:00 AM

I don't see how Linux looses. They were not directly attacked.

monsm · 04-08-2009, 08:47 AM

I agree. Since this never came to court, we still don't know how valid the MS patents are. This is what Groklaw says:

Quote:

I'd say my first impression is that both companies backed off some, and neither wanted a knockdown, dragout fight over two long file name FAT patents TomTom obviously doesn't need. Who does need them, actually? Anyone? Call your file something short. Presto. In that sense, TomTom did well to decide to just remove them, and I hope everyone follows their lead on that.

Remember when the Samba guys were presented with a list of Microsoft patents, and they said, Nah. We can work around them. TomTom is essentially saying the same thing, but it's going to take longer to get the job done.

Some people are still not calmed down over the MS-Novell deal. In a way I hope someone has the guts to go to court soon so we can see how flimsy the MS patents are.

Mons

H_TeXMeX_H · 04-08-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsm

In a way I hope someone has the guts to go to court soon so we can see how flimsy the MS patents are.

Mons

I'm not sure that will ever happen, and if it does, it will likely mean the end of M$, because they are bluffing and they know it. That's why they don't show their cards ... they would have by now if they had a good hand.

Hangdog42 · 04-08-2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H_TeXMeX_H

I'm not sure that will ever happen, and if it does, it will likely mean the end of M$, because they are bluffing and they know it. That's why they don't show their cards ... they would have by now if they had a good hand.

I completely agree. If the goal of MS here was to put Linux in a corner, they never would have settled with TomTom. A settlement is a pretty poor legal precedent whereas a court decision would give them some pretty powerful ammo to come after Linux, at least around FAT file names.