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Ballmer Threatens Linux Patent Lawsuits

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the big-whoop dept.

gillbates writes "Today Microsoft warned several Asian countries that using Linux could subject them to lawsuits, claiming that Linux violates '228 patents'. Apparently, Steve Ballmer believes he can enforce U.S. law in Asia." Ballmer is presumably speaking about this story. So, companies which sell insurance against lawsuits and companies which make competing products both warn of the dangers of using Linux. Maybe someone should point out that Microsoft is battling dozens of patent-infringement lawsuits itself, and any user of Microsoft software (including governments) could also be sued?

3 of 506 comments (clear)

  1. Typical...... by Annihilon · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Enforcing US laws in Asia? Good luck MS - we will all have a laugh while you make an a** of yourself.

  2. First they ignore you... by radtea · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ...then they laugh at you, then they fight you. Then you win. -- Gandhi

    I'd say we're well on our way to stage 3.

    --Tom

    --
    Blasphemy is a human right. Blasphemophobia kills.
  3. Good move Steve! by Snart+Barfunz · · Score: 1, Redundant

    So M$ is going to sue China in a Chinese court for breaking software patents only valid in the US. Wonder what the verdict will be?

    --
    --- Yx3 = Delilah ---