[Lancaster] Microsoft Getting Paid for Patents in Linux?

[Martyn Welch]

Ken Hough wrote:
> I've just seen this article:
> http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/11/1443211
> 
> As a long time and very satisfied user of SuSE (now under Novell), this
> upsets me. How can the Linux fraternity best respond?

Hi Ken,

I think that there are a few avenues open to us as users:


1) Stop using distributions known to have done deals - this sends a 
message that we really won't tolerate this kind of behaviour.

2) If you are using one of the know offenders and have paid for it, 
complain.

3) Fight against software patents. No patents, no problem. If we can 
minimise there spread it might even cause America to rethink it's 
policies since it will be placing them at a competitive disadvantage 
globally (well, it's wishful thinking, but not impossible).

4) Help spread free software. The wider it's adopted the less windows is 
being used. This has the effect of lowering there income (and therefore 
potential R&D) and will increase the development and R&D that companies 
and individuals will pour into FLOSS. This, in the long term, will mean 
more technologies will appear in Linux and other open source software 
first, thereby either stopping patents being granted (prior art) or 
possibly providing patents for cross licensing.

Martyn