Microsoft says Linux has violated 235 Microsoft patents. Could someone name at least one?
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at
19:59
Can someone prove this claim? Is there any proof? Show me!
I need to remove any offending code from my systems.
Tagged with: proof
Filed under: Microsoft
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SCO made similar claims and is now filing for bankruptcy protection, having failed to prove anything in court, other than the falsity of their claims.
M$ has been invited to give some proof for their claims – but so far nothing more than hot air. And so far M$ has not attempted any legal action, action which has been invited by the Linux community.
Any driver for a Microsoft device is an example.
Lots of people are saying "Show me!"
However, although Steve Ballmer has made this claim, neither he not any other Microsoft officer has backed up this claim with any details, whatsoever.
Personally, I suspect Ballmer’s pants are on fire.
I have no reason to doubt that Microsoft has a legitimate claim on this matter. As far as I can tell, Microsoft has a competent legal team. I doubt that the legal team would let Ballmer make this assertion if the assertion were baseless.
In any case, I think the following would effectively be Microsoft’s stand regarding your question:
Yes, our lawyers can prove this claim if we choose to sue an Linux-using infringer on the 235 Microsoft patents. But who are you to think that Microsoft should answer to you. Who appointed you judge and/or jury?!
But, then, I would not worry too much about Microsoft’s patent claims. Unless you are a serious threat, I doubt Microsoft would bother suing you. They have better uses for their vast resources. If they like your code, they’ll probably just emulate it or buy it from you.