Open-source allies go on patent offensive

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Good essays.

Worth some thought before responding.

Still, one brief thought.
I think Microsoft's patents are defensive.
That works in two ways:
- you can't be sued over violating a patent you hold
- you need something to trade when you trade IP.

Though IP licensing can also make money, I have seen little in Microsoft's public strategy that is not about selling software.
Whatever the disagreements about tactics and quality, I think you can agree that the company puts software sales first.


Okay, a second point.

I think that a lot of the money made on software IP these days is kept largely away from public scrutiny. Debate is to be avoided while cash is welcome.

Articles here on ZDNet have indicated that IP companies have signed agreements and have received substantial revenues from a few sources on a few patents.

The strategy I expect is not an expensive, well-publicized leap for the jackpot, but a large number of payment streams, each producing significant amount of revenue.

No company looking for IP income wants to put payers out of business. The amount to be received can be tolerable to both sides, an ordinary cost of doing business.

I'd say, don't be apocalyptic about the uses of software patents.

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 08/12/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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