MS Indemnifies Customers Against IP Threats

bigtallmofo writes "Microsoft announced today that it will indemnify nearly all its customers against claims that their use of Microsoft software infringed on any intellectual property rights. The only exception will be for embedded versions of Windows, since vendors are able to modify the source code. Is Microsoft opening itself to defending thousands of lawsuits against their customers?"

Comments

This is a big statement by M$

[EmagGeek]

Of course, they are saying the following:

1) We have never stolen anyone else's code
2) Even if we did, we believe it cannot be proven
3) If someone does claim to prove it, we will destroy them in court

1 + 2 + 3 = We own all software anyway, so you don't have to worry...

Re:This is a big statement by M$

[SatanicPuppy]

A big statement would be:

"We will indemnify customers against time lost due to exploits found in our own code."

Until they have that clause, I'm not holding my breath.

Re:This is a big statement by M$

[EmagGeek]

Well, this is a little different than the Ford/Firestone case. In the latter, the customers were perfectly free to drive within the speed limit, keep their tires inflated to proper spec, and to not kill themselves. This issue was between the Customer and the manufacturer.

The microsoft issue is between the Customer's Vendor, and the customer's vendor's competitor. The customer really should have nothing to do with IP claims over software they buy to use. SCO has no business suing Linux end users over IP claims. SCO's beef is with the Linux authors, but customers are easier to go after because they have money.

It's all a bunch of legal horse shit if you ask me. There's no way a customer should ever be held responsible for the content of stuff they buy from their vendors because they have little or no control over what goes into that stuff.

Here we go

[PigeonGB]

A summary of some posts below:

SCO sues Linux users, prompting fears that Linux is legally scary to have deployed commercially in your business.

Microsoft says, "See? TCO for Linux rises because you need to be ready to pay the legal costs of defending yourself. We at Microsoft, however, will do such defending for you."

A summary of other posts: "Screw you, M$!"

Question

[gowen]

Is Microsoft opening itself to defending thousands of lawsuits against their customers?

No. It's opening the way for the next attack on the supposed IP irregularities of Linux. Microsoft is an 800lb gorilla, with an enormous patent stockpile to use againts agressors. Just making this promise means they're unlikely to have to go to court.

RedHat, or whoever, aren't. They simply can't make comporable promises. Mix in some FUD from MS's attempts to get licensees from TCP/IP, HTTP etc (slashdot, passim) and you'll keep your business consumers scared away from Open Source.

Ob/. : 3) Profit...