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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?"

1 of 544 comments (clear)

  1. Hmmm by Delphix · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Actually, we can, and I will.

    I do not look up any patents on _principle_, because (a) it's a horrible
    waste of time and (b) I don't want to know.

    The fact is, technical people are better off not looking at patents. If
    you don't know what they cover and where they are, you won't be knowingly
    infringing on them. If somebody sues you, you change the algorithm or you
    just hire a hit-man to whack the stupid git.

    Linus

    I tend to agree that you probably shouldn't go looking for trouble. But "just hire a hit-man to whack the stupid git." ? I had no idea Linus was so violent.