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The Linux Kernel and Software Patents

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the sumthin-to-think-about dept.

batsman writes "The Linux VM system programmers are discussing the software patents that could block further development of important features. Alan Cox brings up several SGI patents covering the techniques they were considering, and Daniel Phillips has found some patents that affect features already present in Linux. Linus Torvalds thinks they should ignore these patents and pretend they don't exist until they cause troubles. How long before kernel developers are sued for patent infringement?"

7 of 544 comments (clear)

  1. Obvious Strategy by pete-classic · · Score: 4, Funny

    1. Ignore patents.
    2. If you get sued:
    a. Replace the infringing code with code that does not infringe on that particular patent.
    b. Sit back and watch patches back to the infringing code appear.
    3. Laugh as the corps realize that they are completely ineffective.

    We now return you to your regularly scheduled revolution.

    -Peter

  2. Re:Quoting Linus by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 2, Funny
    Although, I must admit, my already tremendous amount of respect for Linus just went up a notch. ;)

    Not to mention fear. I half-expect to wake up to find a severed header (horse.h?)in my bed.

  3. Re:I agree with Linus in principle by Obsequious · · Score: 3, Funny

    > I guess he was just pissed.

    Either that, or he's been playing Grand Theft Auto 3 recently.

  4. Re:Linus... by Buskaatt · · Score: 3, Funny
    I think we need to port that little M$ Paperclip to our favorite application development environments so it could warn us ...

    Developer: (click-click), "#!/usr/bin/python"

    Paper Clip: "Hi! It appears as if you are violating a patent! Would you like to:

    1. Give up your house, boat, computer, and first-born in court,

    2. Save me the trouble of calling in the black helicopters and stop development now, or

    3. Ignore it like Linus?"


    Of course that would be violating a patent too ...
  5. Don't ignore the patent owners! by ehiris · · Score: 3, Funny

    You have to come to an agreement with the patent owner!

    If he doesn't want to come to an agreement, you post their contact info on Slashdot so they can be driven crazy by anti-patent nazis.

  6. Much too funny by alexburke · · Score: 3, Funny

    If somebody sues you, you change the algorithm or you just hire a hit-man to whack the stupid git.

    You go, Linus! Teach 'em who's boss! Send Guido and Boris to have a discussion with the patent holder's kneecaps!

  7. Re:Patents were not restricted to machines! by woogieoogieboogie · · Score: 2, Funny
    Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process,

    so this means that no Microsoft products can be patented because they are neither new or useful.

    --
    ... Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed...