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Gates: Microsoft IP Finds Its Way Into Free Software

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the bsd-network-stack dept.

Andy Tai writes "While speaking to financial analysts and commenting on the SCO lawsuit, Bill Gates made the claim that Microsoft's IP is also included in Free/Open source software. Without being specific, he said "There's no question that in cloning activities, IP from many, many companies, including Microsoft, is being used in open-source software. When people clone things, that often becomes unavoidable." Considering Microsoft's claims of ownership over technologies like CIFS, does this mean Microsoft may also launch SCO-style attacks against Free Software/Open Source?"

4 of 848 comments (clear)

  1. Of course it does by sholden · · Score: 5, Funny

    With the garbage that gets a software patent there is certainly IP from microsoft in Linux.

    Then again, there's cetainly IP from microsoft in first year programming assignments, "Hello world" probably violates microsoft's IP by now.

    1. Re:Of course it does by Alsee · · Score: 5, Funny

      "Hello world" probably violates microsoft's IP by now.

      Only if it crashes.

      -

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      - - You can't take something off the Internet! That's like trying to take pee out of a swimming pool.
  2. My first thought... by SharpFang · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...when I saw XP first, was "Finally one of the guys at M$ saw Gnome and understood Windows UI was years behind current standards".

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    45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
  3. More good news... by ffatTony · · Score: 5, Funny

    I realize everyone thinks SCO's actions are sleezy and MS is being oportunistic, but I really think this lawsuit is good for linux as a whole and me in particular. Why? The chicks. The current scenario is:

    random girl: can I check my email?
    me: sure...
    girl: your desktop looks weird, I want to go home now. I'm confused...

    but if linux does include stolen code it becomes dangerous:

    different girl: mmmm, is that linux you're using?
    me: why yes... it is (sly smile)
    girl: you're so dangerous, take me now.... on the keyboard...

    One can always dream :)

    (And before you make wild geek accusations, yes I do have a girl friend and this was intended to be funny :)