Microsoft snags XML-related patent

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And that's why it won't happen.

as long as any redistribution of the code is likewise GPLed.

Yup, so we both know that isn't going to happen.

Remember, it is this condition of redistribution that MS fears most. And that is my point. If a patent can be used, but only so long as its code is GPLed, then MS would not be able to use whatever is covered by that patent.

So then what possible use would MS have for it?

Use all the name calling you want, but the open source community isn't just the voluntary "out of work" programmers sitting in their basements, it's also IBM, Novell, Red Hat, Sun, SuSE, and many other companies.

No one is calling any names here.

So if all the OSS community uses their resources and takes the proactive approach to patents things that may be useful or needed by both MSand themselves, then they have a nice bargaining chip to use against MS.

I don't see how at all. Let's assume that one of these companies creates a module (not part of Linux) and it is released under GPL. All MS needs do is use the same module without including it in the OS itself. There is no way to restrict a patent license once the code has been GPL'ed, ask SCO if you have doubts.

Posted by: No_Ax_to_Grind   Posted on: 02/13/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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