[CLUE-Talk] Obtaining software patents of Linux by "large software makers"?

[Kevin Cullis]

Well, looks like I'm not the only one thinking of this:

Perens: IT pros must lobby for open-source
http://searchenterpriselinux.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid39_gci921187,00.html

Kevin


On Wed, 2003-08-27 at 12:40, Timothy C. Klein wrote:
> * Kevin Cullis (kevincu at orci.com) wrote:
> > Hey all,
> > 
> > Has anyone heard of this:
> 
> Nope.
> 
> > In addition, large software makers have been busy obtaining patents on
> > the ideas underlying open-source software, making a more difficult path
> > ahead. And lawsuits are on the rise, even among those firms that espouse
> > open-source thinking. 
> > 
> > http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0803/082503td1.htm
> > 
> > Where do we combat this?
> 
> As I see it, there are only two options.
> 
> 1) Reform patent law, hopefully making software patents invalid.
> 
> 2) Open Source/Free Software developers need to start patenting the
> things in their code, and pull a 'copyleft' with the patent.
> 
> Sadly, I think world peace is more likely than 1), and as far as 2), I
> think the average volunteer does not have the time or money to acquire
> frivolous patents.  So we could be in trouble.
> 
> I guess working really hard to make sure prior art is demonstrable would
> make lawsuits easier to defend. But in American court, it ain't about
> who is right, it is about who has more money, so that might not be a
> bullet-proof defense.
> 
> Tim
> 
> --
> ======================================================
> == Timothy Klein || teece at silver_NO-UCE_klein.net   ==
> == ------------------------------------------------ ==
> == Hello_World.c: 17 Errors, 31 Warnings...         ==
> ======================================================
> _______________________________________________
> CLUE-Talk mailing list
> Post messages to: CLUE-Talk at clue.denver.co.us
> Unsubscribe or manage your options: http://clue.denver.co.us/mailman/listinfo/clue-talk