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Would you say the same about IBM?
IBM has been patenting everything in sight for years. Furthermore, IBM has an actual history of using its patent protfolio to threaten others. So why has there been no outcry about that? Why is it only now, when Microsoft is getting into the 'game', are patents evil?

"When you see companies scambling to patent everythignt the they are not using patents to protect thier investments they use them as clubs to attack others." ... "Seems to me that OSS is likely target if you ask me."

But the patents don't have to be used as a 'club' to be used to gain a competitive edge. Note that Microsoft has recently been forming strategic IP-sharing agreements with other companies. Are you going to say that Microsoft shouldn't have the right to control who has access to its (currently) legally-owned IP?

"I'm not sure it will go that far but I'm sure you will see large corporations clubing each other with patent law suits in the future."

I doubt it. As I mentioned above, what you will see are agreements and partnerships to share patents and IP. We're seeing that now.

"It's more like you saying the sun hasn't risen in the east today but come morning it might."

If Microsoft had a history of using patents as a weapon, you would be right. But so far there is no history. So I think my original analogy stands.

Carl Rapson
Posted by: rapson   Posted on: 12/21/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Great news for everybody but Microsoft.  DonnieBoy | 12/21/04
Only Microsoft?  rapson | 12/21/04
Microsoft has reason to  voska | 12/21/04
Not really  rapson | 12/21/04
Umm that's what patents are for though  voska | 12/21/04
Would you say the same about IBM?  rapson | 12/21/04
Carl Rapson, a well know Microsoft dill.  systemcleaner | 12/22/04
SCO!  Jeff Spicoli | 12/21/04
None that I've seen  rapson | 12/21/04
Might, maybe, could, possibly, perhaps, someday... Blah...  No_Ax_to_Grind | 12/21/04
Oh Oracle you said it to be true  voska | 12/21/04
And your selective reality needs repairing  Jeff Spicoli | 12/21/04
According to your crystal ball, axey  AmusedAtItAll | 12/22/04
Are you arguing patents or just defending Microsoft?  voska | 12/21/04
'Just' defending?  rapson | 12/21/04
If you don't fanaticaly hate MS, then your a shill.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 12/21/04
Well...  Jeff Spicoli | 12/21/04
Difference  rapson | 12/21/04
Really? Show me..  Jeff Spicoli | 12/21/04
Because Donnie seem very anti Microsoft  voska | 12/21/04
OK, sorry  rapson | 12/21/04
Yes, IBM's patent portfolio could be dangerous at some time too.  DonnieBoy | 12/21/04
MS has made some veiled threats on this subject  tic swayback | 12/21/04
Again, it's simply not possible...  No_Ax_to_Grind | 12/21/04
Actually, that's not true  tic swayback | 12/21/04
What?! You HAVE to be kidding  Jeff Spicoli | 12/21/04
MS Using Patents Indirectly Against OSS  P. Douglas | 12/21/04
I mostly agree  rapson | 12/21/04
Huh?  Jeff Spicoli | 12/21/04
Integrity has nothing to do with it  rapson | 12/21/04
Flailing at windmills again.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 12/21/04
Back tracking?  voska | 12/21/04
No you completely misunderstand.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 12/21/04
Something like a mine  IT_User | 12/21/04
Yes, Microsoft is not the only that could abuse patents.  DonnieBoy | 12/21/04
We??? Oh you mean the tiny minority of users.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 12/21/04
Small minority?  voska | 12/21/04
Just a teensy nitpick...  John Le'Brecage | 12/21/04
Good for them  Nigel Johnstone | 12/21/04
Good point.  Anton Philidor | 12/22/04
Not surprising ...  George Mitchell | 12/21/04
Poles push patents off EU agenda  patrice_z | 12/22/04

What do you think?

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