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A Closer Look At Oracle's (Legal) Linux

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the shiny-new-paint-job-but-serious-engine-problems dept.

A reader wrote to us with Matt Asay's Infoworld piece digging into the legal background of Oracle's indemnification offerings for Linux. Turns out, things are not quite so rosy as PR would make it seem. I know, I know...suprise all around. You can read Oracle's FAQ about it, but some of the tastier bits are that the indemnification covers *just* the kernel, and that whole thing about damage limits? Read what Matt has to say:'The indemnification is not in any way limited to the amount of money a customer has paid Oracle. Apparently, Oracle's legal department missed the memo on this one. If you read Section J of the agreement (Limitation of Liability), you'll note that while Oracle offers unlimited indemnification for consequential damages related to an infringement claim (and that only for the one package, the Linux kernel), it caps all other damages at the amount you pay to Oracle.'

6 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. That's expected! by bogaboga · · Score: 2, Funny
    ...you'll note that while Oracle offers unlimited indemnification for consequential damages related to an infringement claim (and that only for the one package, the Linux kernel)...

    Sounds reasonable to me!

  2. What is this crap? by Werrismys · · Score: 3, Funny
    "Legal Linux?" F**k this shit.

    I'll start distributing "Vista - The Non Child Molester version". All the other Vista versions are pedobear-approved.

    --
    'Once scientists, even the dim-witted social scientists, get muzzled, the Western Civilization is finished.' - oldhack
  3. Ah! by Black+Parrot · · Score: 3, Funny

    > If you read Section J of the agreement (Limitation of Liability), you'll note that while Oracle offers unlimited indemnification for consequential damages related to an infringement claim (and that only for the one package, the Linux kernel), it caps all other damages at the amount you pay to Oracle.

    Then I have exactly the amount of indemnification I need.

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  4. Re:I prefer illegal linux by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 2, Funny

    The patent on the wheel would have long expired... oh wait, it hasn't!

  5. Re:What bits in the Linux kernel .. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    What bits in the Linux kernel does Larry think violates someones patent.

    0 and 1 bits.

  6. Re:What bits in the Linux kernel .. by Pharmboy · · Score: 2, Funny

    Please see: Microsoft Patents Ones, Zeros

    --
    Tequila: It's not just for breakfast anymore!