Subject: Re: [linux-audio-dev] Patents on some Linux OS code
From: eviltwin69_AT_cableone.net
Date: Wed Dec 08 2004 - 21:31:05 EET
>> 2) If such an issue should be discovered, Novell will back up the Linux
>> side with their patent-portfolio, which (cough) *could* (cough) be an
>> expensive experience for the attacker.
>
>Novell would back linux if they can get money from it, if the Singapore
>administration doesnt buy linux from Novell I dont think they will get
>involved.
>
IBM has already stated that if anyone goes after Linux with a patent issue
IBM (the largest patent holder in the world) will go after them.
>>
>> 4) The end user is not responsible for what patent issues the producer
>> might get involved with.
>
>Many companies thinks that it is, the SCO vs DaimlerCrysler case (because of
>they use Linux) is an example, that case is because of copyright but surely
>will be many like that because of patents.
>
An end user of a copyrighted/patented product is not liable for infringement
suits *unless* the end user distributes the copyrighted/patented product in
violation of the copyright/patent. If you just buy a product from a vendor and
use it you aren't liable for infringement. You didn't infringe the
copyright/patent, the vendor did. At any rate SCO is about to get its ass handed
to it by DC ;-)
Jan
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b28 : Wed Dec 08 2004 - 21:28:31 EET