__/ [ Jim ] on Thursday 28 September 2006 13:07 \__
> arachnid came up with this when he headbutted the keyboard a moment ago in
> comp.os.linux.advocacy:
>
>> On Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:42:29 +0100, Roy Schestowitz wrote:
>>
>>> Microsoft sues over source code theft
>>>
>>> ,----[ Quote ]
>>> | Microsoft has filed a federal lawsuit against an alleged hacker who
>>> | broke through its copy protection technology, charging that the
>>> | mystery developer somehow gained access to its copyrighted source code.
>>
>> From the article:
>>
>> "Our own intellectual property was stolen from us and used to create
>> this tool," said Bonnie MacNaughton, a senior attorney in
>> Microsoft's legal and corporate affairs division. "They obviously
>> had a leg up on any of the other hackers that might be creating
>> circumvention tools from scratch."
>>
>>
>> Microsoft still hasn't gotten the hang of "Open Source". :o]
>
> they also haven't got round the mistaken idea that just because they stole
> it in the first place makes it theirs.
I don't think they have evidence. To add some context/background, Microsoft
asked the guy to take down the tool and he refused. He argues no rules were
broken. So when it doesn't go the easy way, the behemoth will play dirty.
Look what happens in the EU (US government lobbyists tell Kroes to "be nice
to Microsoft" and Microsoft commissions a study that serves as anti-Kroes
FUD). How long before Microsoft pays some (more) bloggers to criticise the
creator of the tool and change perceptions? The guy is in a tough situation
facing some aggressive animal.
Microsoft did, after all, issued letters from dead people to defend itself,
as well as sent paid staff to forums. Some argues that it pays people to
create supposedly independent sites that praise the XBox360 and bash its
rivals. The same can be said about Linux, but more proof is needed. Lastly,
Microsoft (well, the Gates Foundation to be precise) buys many
supposedly-unbiased newspapers.
Best wishes,
Roy
--
Roy S. Schestowitz | Software patents destroy innovation
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