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HP Memo Predicts MS Patent Attacks on Open Source

Posted by timothy on from the what-might-have-been-and-still-might-be dept.

Roblimo writes "A two-year-old internal HP memo has just surfaced that talks about how 'Microsoft could attack Open Source Software for patent infringements against OEMs, Linux distributors, and least likely open source developers. They are specifically upset about Samba, Apache and Sendmail.' NewsForge has the story, including the memo's full text, a response from Eben Moglen (who says the memo's author misinterprets part of the GPL), and a statement from HP saying they love open source, really they do, even though 'Microsoft continues to be one of HP's strongest partners.'"

13 of 330 comments (clear)

  1. so that would explain by joeldg · · Score: 4, Funny

    so that would explain the 26,000 patents that MS has been busy filing to lock down everything in the world.

    ahhh..

    world domination..
    never would have thought MS would stoop so low..

    --
    anime+manga together at last.. in real time.
    1. Re:so that would explain by Lifix · · Score: 5, Funny

      Microsoft's patents on the start bar configuration, logos and other interface technology have made it very difficult to develop competitive operating systems, or even for students to develop operating systems of their own.

      --
      In nature, there are neither rewards or punishments, there are only consequences.
    2. Re:so that would explain by Anubis350 · · Score: 3, Funny

      I read this "MS patenting [slashdot.org]" as microsoft patenting /. and I got a little scared for a second there

      --
      "goodbye and hello, as always" ~Prince Corwin, from Zelazny's Amber series
  2. Two years old... by k4_pacific · · Score: 4, Funny

    Two years old and we're just now seeing it.

    Gotta wonder what they are saying now. Think about the original Halloween documents. Those'll be six years old soon. Think how much Linux has improved since then. I'm sure Microsoft's internal memos are lot more interesting now. (Probably something along the lines of oh shit...oh shit...oh shit) Wow, to be a fly on the wall of Ballmer's office...

    --
    Unknown host pong.
    1. Re:Two years old... by Master+of+Transhuman · · Score: 2, Funny

      Given that the only thing Microsoft produces is shit, there should be more than enough flies on Ballmer's wall already.

      Just ask any of them.

      --
      Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
    2. Re:Two years old... by spikev · · Score: 4, Funny

      And I bet all those flies have to sign NDAs.

  3. Upset about sendmail? by Evil+MarNuke · · Score: 4, Funny

    Only Microsoft could be up set by sendmail use of patent pending security holes.

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    The journey is better then the end.
  4. M.O.O. by mblase · · Score: 4, Funny

    so that would explain the 26,000 patents that MS has been busy filing to lock down everything in the world

    What, you thought they were going to donate them to the Vatican or something?

  5. Can't Sue Me MS!!! by jmt9581 · · Score: 2, Funny
    Hah! I use NFS, thttpd and Postfix!.

    Your move Bill.

    :P

    --

    My blog

  6. This is how it would work... by Eric_Cartman_South_P · · Score: 5, Funny

    MS: Open Source! Prepare to die!
    IBM: *SMACK*
    MS: Fuck, that hurts.
    Open Source: W0ot! Thanks IBM!

  7. Re:Lots of Qualifiers by Ralp · · Score: 3, Funny
    This kind of fluff makes front page news? Anybody COULD do anything. Why don't you report on it when MS does? In the meantime, isn't there better stuff to report, like real news?

    Tell me about it! Next thing you know we'll have front page stories announcing when software licenses don't change. "This just in: nothing has happened! Film at eleven."

  8. Re:Microsoft is the suxx0rz. by RiffRafff · · Score: 1, Funny

    Yeah! What he said.

    --
    "I might have made a tactical error in not going to a physician for 20 years." -- Warren Zevon
  9. Re:Reminds me of a quote... by bfg9000 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Keep your enemies even closer? Dude, I think you need to revisit the Ballmer Monkeyboy video.

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    I'm not normally an irrational zealous dickhead, but I figure "When in Rome..."