Linux Scare Tactics

Message ID: 162020

Posted By: deepdistrust

Subject: Linux Scare Tactics

OSRM says Linux code may be infringing a few hundred patents. Starting from 2005, they will start providing protection against patent infringment claims for a price. They believe either that nobody will be sued over patents or (more likely) that the patents involved can be invalidated. Apparently, they have (or can get) what it takes to invalidate the patents and they will offer that knowledge for a price. OSRM's primary purpose appears to be to make money. That makes them neither noble nor evil, but they are not exactly friends of the community either. (Some will say the last couple of sentences apply equally well to SCO.)

For Linux to continue to be safe for use by home users, any information needed to overthrow patents should be owned by the community, not by a private insurance company.

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