[ILUG] Linux Kernel contains Microsoft and others' patents - OSRM

[Justin Mason]

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Enda writes:
> Microsoft has been identified as one of many companies potentially owning
> patents on technology in the Linux kernel, raising the prospect of legal
> action against Linux suppliers

Of course.   Bear in mind that due to the patent system's mode of
operation (patents filed in secret, no need to announce patent filing or
grant status, totally independent reinventions are viewed as
infringements) this is guaranteed to happen in the software field, where
there's often only one efficient way to solve a given problem.

BTW this article is a very good intro to how patenting works from the
"other side":
<http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/30/1091080437270.html?oneclick=true>
.  No prizes for guessing which company it's talking about ;)

> http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=a4g,7pat,jnx,2yqs,aidr,l21t,19zf
> Should be an interesting test to lay down the ground rules for the impact of
> software patents on opensource developers. Interesting that the OSRM is
> highlighting the risk for linux suppliers as opposed to the package
> developers. That implies you're free to develop, and those who wish to
> commercialise your developments have the burden of responsibility to ensure
> that what they sell is not infringing patents, and since they're turning a
> buck from it, then they can afford to do that / factor it into their cost of
> sales.

Another question -- who are the OSRM?  This sounds a lot like they're
looking to sell their services to as many big companies as possible, and
therefore a slightly over-the-top press release suits them fine.
(<http://www.osriskmanagement.com>)

Regarding why they're aiming this at the linux suppliers -- easy -- the
package developers have no money ;)

- --j.
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