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Why Microsoft Won't List Claimed Patent Violations

BlueOni0n writes "Earlier today, Microsoft announced it will begin actively seeking reparations for claimed patent infringement by Linux and the open source community in general. One opinion on why Microsoft won't reveal these 235 alleged IP infringements to the public is that they're afraid of having the claims debunked or challenged — so instead they're waiting until the OS community comes to the bargaining table. But a more optimistic thought is that Microsoft may be afraid to list these supposed violations because it knows the patents can be worked around by the open source community, leaving Microsoft high and dry without any leverage at all."

4 of 626 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Where's the Cease and Desist? by fmarkham · · Score: 4, Funny

    In Soviet America, Microsoft slaps YOU.

  2. Obligatory 300 quote by steveoc · · Score: 4, Funny

    In the beginning:

    When this linux-child was born, like all Spartans, he was inspected.

    For the strength of the code lies only in its openness.

    ---oOo---

    The Threat:

    Microsoft Messenger:
    Choose your next words carefully, Leon-ix-idas. They may be your last as king.

    Linux:
    You bring the skulls and crowns of conquered corporations to my desktop, you insult my queen, and you threaten my people with lawsuits and FUD! Oh, I've chosen my words carefully, Microsoft. Perhaps you should have done the same! *kick*

    ---oOo---

    The preliminary skirmishes :

    Microsoft :
    Send in the SCOuts to test the strength of these Spartan defences.

    Linux :
    Our Unix ancestors built this wall. Using ancient stones from the bosom of Greece herself.
    And with a little Spartan help, your Microsoft-sponsored SCOuts supplied the mortar.

    ---oOo---

    The battle:

    Microsoft :
    A thousand lawyers of the Microsoft empire descend upon you. Our patents will blot out the sun!

    Linux :
    Then we will code in the shade !

    ---oOo---

    The aftermath:

    Narrator:
    The world will know that freemen stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many,
    and that before this battle is done, that even a god king can bleed.

    Microsoft:
    WTF happened ? Who threw that chair ?

  3. Re:Where's the Cease and Desist? by Kijori · · Score: 5, Funny

    IANAL IAHEP I am not a lawyer... I am hoping to eat ponies?
  4. Re:Where's the Cease and Desist? by stuntpope · · Score: 5, Funny

    "I am hoping to eat... hrmm, a p-word... hrmm... Ponies! Of the things starting with P that I'd like to eat, ponies it is!"

    Yes, this is indeed Slashdot.