Re: [wlug] Microsoft opens up APIs, file formats and documentation to all

The GNU GPL does not allow you to distribute software (licensed under the GPL of course) if you can't give it to everyone on the same terms that you got it. This means if the software is covered by a patent, even if you're covered for the patent you can't give it to anyone unless everyone is also covered for it.

True. My mistake. EU's response is somewhat damning: "The commission would welcome any move towards genuine interoperability," the commission said. "Nonetheless, the commission notes that today's announcement follows at least four similar statements by Microsoft in the past on the importance of interoperability." Craig