The keyword here is *could*. It is an empty threat. 1) There is currently no valid patent issues with Linux. So there is no issues to be resolved either. 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. 3) Microsoft can't sue Singapore. They will have to get the US government to do it for them, and then let WTO sort it out. And before that they will have to force Singapore into thinking that SW-patents is a neat idea. And then, although US might have the best government money can buy, MS is still not the only kid in town with deep pockets. 4) The end user is not responsible for what patent issues the producer might get involved with.

So in short: Relax! On ons, 2004-12-08 at 08:28 -0600, Cornell III, Howard M wrote: > > All, > > The 11/22 issue of Computerworld has a blurb about Microsoft CEO Steve > Ballmer warning government leaders in Singapore that switching their > 20,000 PCs from Windows to Linux could subject them to patent lawsuits. > I have heard some tales about commercial versions of Linux including > indemnification of users against these suits. What is the current > status of the patent issues? Will they ever be resolved, or are all > Linux users susceptible (proportional to the depth of their pockets)? > > Howard Cornell > >

I think all your points are wrong: If MS has patented things so stupid like the double click (http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/04/06/02/2222258.shtml?tid=109&tid=155&…) I bet there are many things in Linux (and any other OS) that are covered by MS Patents. 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. Anyone can sue the Singapore's (or any country's) administration because it's and organization with legal identity. But the laws used for the case would be the laws from Singapore, and if they dont have laws supporting software patents probably MS would lost, then MS may ask the US goverment to do something about it (a new embargo maybe? i dont think so but software patents will surely cause more troubles than solutions) 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. Bests, Pedro

Pall Thayer wrote: This was and is about extortion, fraud, stock manipulation etc. All those lawsuits filed by The SCO Group Inc. are fraudulent. For detailed information see: http://Groklaw.net Cheers, Andreas

well, yes. there's that too... But it's more fun to watch than Icelandic national television.

pall

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.