Subject: Re: [linux-audio-dev] Patents on some Linux OS code
From: Jack O'Quin (joq_AT_io.com)
Date: Wed Dec 08 2004 - 21:42:55 EET
<eviltwin69_AT_cableone.net> writes:
> On Wed, 8 Dec 2004 19:01 , 'Pedro Lozano' <pl2_AT_ono.com> sent:
>
> >> 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.
I feel sure they will.
> >> 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 ;-)
It may take years, but when IBM's countersuit against SCO is finally
settled, I predict SCO is going to owe IBM more than their (SCO's) net
worth.
-- joq
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