The computing world is at war again. The Linux-Microsoft cold war hits the limelight with reports of Microsoft blaming Linux for violating 235 of its patents.
Microsoft’s General Counsel Brad Smith claimed 42 violations for the Linux kernel, 65 infringements by the GUI and 45 violations by Open Office programs. The free and open source software mastermind, Linus Torvalds, counteracted to Microsoft’s allegation suggesting a critical review of Microsoft’s codes would reveal a series of violation of patents owned by other companies. He suggested Microsoft to be clear of what they are saying instead of creating unwanted suspicion and mistrust. Torvalds further stated that Microsoft should release the list of patents to be testified in a court. He claimed that it will either prove that there are no patent violations or help avoid the violation by ‘coding around whatever silly thing they (Microsoft) claim’.
Linus Torvalds said,
Basic operating system theory was pretty much done by the end of the 1960s. IBM probably owned thousands of really ‘fundamental’ patents.
The fundamental stuff was done about half a century ago and has long, long since lost any patent protection.
Ethical ownership of source codes seem to have lost its value ages ago.
