Here is a quote-worthy statement from Groklaw regarding an interview with Novell's marketing VP:

Linux Action Show has an interview with Novell VP for Marketing Justin Steinman, who talks about the deal. He says some interesting things. One thing he says is the Novell has noted that the deal for non-compensated developers (he calls them "hobbyists") should be irrevocable, and Microsoft is "willing to talk about it." Of course, that isn't the real problem. The real problem is distribution and sharing and the apparent acknowledgement of some unknowable Microsoft "IP" -- whatever that is. What about the compensated developers?...