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Integrity has nothing to do with it
The problem with calling something 'unethical' is that, if you poll 10 people, you will get 10 different answers about what is 'unethical'. Unless, of course, you poll 10 Microsoft haters; then they'll all agree that whatever Microsoft does is unethical. happy

As long as businesses are allowed to 'own' IP, there is nothing wrong with using it as yet another business tool (as long as it's not used illegally) against competition. Businesses have always used proprietary information to gain an edge over competitors. Any business with an improved manufacturing process that keeps the process 'secret' is doing the same thing.

I have no problem with software patents being eliminated. If they are, then businesses will have to find other ways to try to edge out the competition. But while they're legal, businesses will use them. Just ask IBM.

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

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