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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.'"

7 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..

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    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.

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      In nature, there are neither rewards or punishments, there are only consequences.
  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...

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    Unknown host pong.
    1. 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. 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!