After endless delays, which were caused by the Novell/Microsoft deal, we may finally get a closer look at a solution to the nuisance it has become. The next draft of the third version of the GPL is due by Wednesday, according to Technocrat.

At the FSF general meeting today, Richard Stallman announced that the third discussion draft of GPL version 3 will be released on Wednesday and will be open for public comment.

Eben Moglen has given speech where he expresses deep concerns. According to him, Novell is only the beginning. He argues that Microsoft intends to repeat these aggressive moves -- something which GPLv3 will hopefully provide immunity against.

In his speech at the FSF general meeting, Moglen said that the patent offensive that Microsoft started with the Novell-Microsoft agreement was only the onset of a long intended campaign, and will continue. He feels that new provisions in GPL3 will be one essential component of fighting that campaign, but not the only essential component. He expects attacks and counter-attacks.