Linus Torvalds takes issue with Microsoft's claims of patent infringement
In its most recent bout with Linux and the open-source
community, Microsoft claimed that Linux distributions, along with other
open-source software, actually infringe on its patents. The Redmond giant
claimed that 235 of its
patents have been violated by the Linux kernel, Linux graphical user interface
and Open Office/other open-source applications. The company went on to say that
it believes it has the right to demand royalties from Linux distributions.
Despite Microsoft taking a strong stance on its argument, Linus Torvalds, lead
developer of the Linux kernel, failed to blink. Talking to InformationWeek,
Torvalds simply said, "It's certainly a lot more likely that Microsoft
violates patents than Linux does. If the source code for Windows could be
subjected to the same critical review that Linux has been, Microsoft would find
itself in violation of patents held by other companies."
Torvalds went on to reason that although "fundamental patents" for
basic operating series were already filed in the 1960s, the protection for
those patents have been expired for quite some time. He also suggested that
Microsoft name the patents that it believes are being violated in order for its
claims to actually be tested in court.
"Naming them would make it either clear that Linux isn't infringing at all
(which is quite possible, especially if the patents are bad), or would make it
possible to avoid infringing by coding around whatever silly thing they
claim."
"We shipped it on Saturday. Then on Sunday, we rested." -- Steve Jobs on the iPad launch
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