On 5/14/07, Ian McDonald <ian.mcdonald(a)jandi.co.nz> wrote:
Microsoft is starting to rattle some sabres:
An excerpt from
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/05/28/100033867/ (Found at lwn.net).
But he does break down the total number allegedly violated - 235 - into categories. He says that the Linux kernel - the deepest layer of the free operating system, which interacts most directly with the computer hardware - violates 42 Microsoft patents. The Linux graphical user interfaces - essentially, the way design elements like menus and toolbars are set up - run afoul of another 65, he claims. The Open Office suite of programs, which is analogous to Microsoft Office, infringes 45 more. E-mail programs infringe 15, while other assorted FOSS programs allegedly transgress 68.
Surely the Apple vs Amiga (?) case about the graphical operating system issue (that was usurped by Xerox over Apple!) shoots the graphical user interface patent in the foot while there must be enough "Prior art" around on email to shoot down Microsoft's patents in those areas. Unfortunately it would take a lot of time and effort to defend - and the only real winner would be the lawyers. J -- James Pluck PalmOS Ergo Sum "Dear IRS: I would like to cancel my subscription. Please remove my name from your mailing list..."