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Lawyer Thinks Microsoft Can Evade GPL 3

Posted by Zonk on from the i-a-n-a-l dept.

rs232 writes with a link about a disheartening observation on the GPLv3. Unless there's something more specific in the Novell agreement that would fall within the new version of the GPL, Microsoft should have no trouble slipping free of it. Silicon.com has a piece speaking with a leading intellectual property lawyer from Australia. She says, "'I would be very surprised to see this upheld. It was a nice try on the part of (the FSF), but at this stage, I'd say it's not going to be an effective strategy. It will be tough to hold up in court.' In this case, she said, Microsoft never acted — never 'entered' into the agreement, and the terms and conditions can only apply to new actions by Microsoft, not older ones. She said: 'Their actions so far are not enough to say that they are bound.'"

4 of 266 comments (clear)

  1. Legal advice from a convict by Bastard+of+Subhumani · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Gehickgehickgehick. Canyatelllwotitisyet?

    --
    Only three things are certain; death, taxes, and apocryphal quotations - Ben Franklin.
  2. Your mom sure is! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    ...taking me to the monster truck show. Grrrrrrravedigggggerrrrr!!!

  3. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Lawywer n. A person of extraordinary bullshit that stands and lies in front of a judge.

    Lawyer n. A person of extraordinary bullshit that stands and lies in front of everyone.

    Hoped this helped.

  4. One day lawyers will control everything. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Lawyers are going to be the death of this country. Not that I like GPL version yadda very much either. It's written by and for the benefit of lawyers.