* [H]omer peremptorily fired off this memo:
> Linonut wrote:
>
>> we have no intent to sue people who infringe on
>> these patents.
>>
>> But we might change our minds.
>
> You should forward that to the Mono developer's mailing list.
I'm not sure that "Mono" developers are in any more danger than anyone
else who writes code that deals with patented Microsoft technology.
As Tim noted (if I grok his argument correctly), it appears that mere
functional similarities are enough to trigger infringement in these dark
medieval times.
That being said, I recall Gates "prediction" about software patents
freezing innovation, and believe that Microsoft has acquired a lot of
patents solely as a defensive maneuver.
Of course, they will undoubtedly seriously consider using them on OSS
where it intersects with powerful business interests.
One hopes that big patent asteroid will come and kill off these
dinosaurs, leaving room for the OSS mammals to take over. <grin, I
think>.
--
Stolen's a strong word. It's copyrighted content that the owner wasn't paid
for. So yes. -- Bill Gates, On his use of YouTube to watch videos. "Bill Gates
on ...the Competition" in The Wall Street Journal (19 June 2006); also quoted
in "Bill Gates' piracy confession" at ComputerWorld.com
|
|
