

On Wed, 8 Dec 2004 19:01 , 'Pedro Lozano' <pl2@ono.com> sent:

>> 2) If such an issue should be discovered, Novell will back up the Linux
>> side with their patent-portfolio, which (cough) *could* (cough) be an
>> expensive experience for the attacker.
>
>Novell would back linux if they can get money from it, if the Singapore 
>administration doesnt buy linux from Novell I dont think they will get 
>involved.
>
    IBM has already stated that if anyone goes after Linux with a patent issue
IBM (the largest patent holder in the world) will go after them.


>>
>> 4) The end user is not responsible for what patent issues the producer
>> might get involved with.
>
>Many companies thinks that it is, the SCO vs DaimlerCrysler case (because of 
>they use Linux) is an example, that case is because of copyright but surely 
>will be many like that because of patents.
>
    An end user of a copyrighted/patented product is not liable for infringement
suits *unless* the end user distributes the copyrighted/patented product in
violation of the copyright/patent.  If you just buy a product from a vendor and
use it you aren't liable for infringement.  You didn't infringe the
copyright/patent, the vendor did.  At any rate SCO is about to get its ass handed
to it by DC ;-)

Jan




