Open Source As Legal Time Bomb

Hwyman writes "TechWorld is reporting on the latest attack on open-source software by the Microsoft-backed Alexis de Toqueville Institution (ADTI). Many here will remember ADTI's previous assertion that Linux Torvald was NOT the true father of the Linux kernel. Taking the stance that OSS is in conflict with IP law, ADTI president Kenneth Brown states, 'After a brief glance at much open source software development, it becomes readily apparent that a number of open source practices directly conflict with best practices associated with protecting intellectual property.' With references like 'open sores software,' it's easy to believe that ADTI might be somewhat biased."

Comments

Re:Typo #2

[Gnavpot]

Linus Torvald..

Linus Torvalds

"public domain"

[Mike Markley]

Maybe I'm being a pedant (and it wouldn't be the first time), but how are we to trust the judgment of ADTI on the topic of licensing and IP when they aren't even aware of the difference between copyleft and public domain?

Public domain is pretty clearly defined under current IP laws, and just about the only thing it has in common with open source, free software, copyleft, etc. is the fact that all generally permit anyone to look and touch. In fact, public domain refers to who owns it and only implies the license terms (to the best of my understanding, it's basically "the public owns this and, as the owner, the public can do whatever they want with it"). Copyleft does not release ownership of IP to the public.

Then again, that's probably exactly what these clowns want the public to think it does...

Re:Biased, with a point

[Cyno]

Remember, even if you win, the fight can easily cost you enough to put you out of business..

And that is the heart of the problem, isn't it? Not the law, but the cost of protecting yourself in court against false accusations.

EVERY business is at risk of law suits. Even Microsoft. However it is the big multi-billion-dollar corporations that promote and thrive in this type of legal ecosystem.

What needs to be done here is to remove this money/power from those big corporations. And how that is done is by changing public perception, boycotts, and alternatives like F/OSS.

So if all we do is go around crying wolf everytime we feel insecure we don't shift public perception in the right direction and F/OSS loses support. It doesn't need any support, but if you want to remedy the situation, and the real problem of IP/patent abuse, F/OSS is the best way to fight it.

But I realize most of you are cowards and would rather run than fight. So, what are you waiting for? Run for the hills! The rest of us will hold our ground and let you know when its safe to come back down.

Alexis de Tocqueville is rolling over in his grave

[borgheron]

It's a travesty that this name is used by these nafarious folks at ADTI. The real Tocqueville was a philosopher and lover of freedom:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_de_Tocquevil le

Truely ashame that they should damage his name.

GJC

Re:They don't just lie about Linux.

[morleron]

What bothers me is that I actually spent five irrecoverable minutes reading the trash spewed by this so-called think tank. If Ken Brown is representative of the type of intellectual talent found in the typical "think tank" it's no wonder the world is in trouble from listening to those folks. I suspect that, given enough money, Mr. Brown would be able to "prove" that he's his own father; which, frankly, is the only way that I can figure out for him to have come into being.

Just my $.02,
Ron