Summary: Why OpenSUSE-derived distributions can avoid the Microsoft/Novell patent liabilities, probably by avoiding the SUSE/OpenSUSE trademark
OpenSUSE LXDE (variant of Ballnux) is not a normal Novell project, but it uses Novell trademarks. LXDE is a relatively new project. "It is maintained by an international community of developers," according to the OpenSUSE Wiki. OpenSUSE LXDE is built on OpenSUSE, but might as well rename itself and distance itself from Novell. Microsoft's deal with Novell forbids use of OpenSUSE to make money; basically, Microsoft and Novell agreed that OpenSUSE users will be "safe" as long as they are just so-called 'hobbyists'.
A few weeks ago we saw that OpenSUSE sought more independence from Novell, which is up for sale. Generally speaking, OpenSUSE would be better off forked and made independent from the whole patent deal [1, 2].
The branding in this distribution is still property of Novell. If they change it, then people will no longer associate this unofficial distribution with Microsoft. Let Novell take care of OpenSUSE, which technically is not so bad. From a new (p)review of the coming release:
Overall, openSUSE 11.3 does a decent job and packs the usual extras you would expect from a project that feeds into a commercial, enterprise Linux distro like SLED.
Well, but it comes with obligations to Microsoft and it therefore has limitations inherited from Novell. Why not rebrand derivatives/flavours/forks of OpenSUSE? That might actually overcome the contract Microsoft signed with Novell -- a contract that specifically mentions OpenSUSE, a property of Novell. ⬆
MinceR says the "lkml [message/page] one is April Fools or at least they're trying to pass it off as April Fools [however] the [GitHub] one was archived on the 8th and yesterday, so that probably isn't..."
Like Scam Altman, Larry Ellison hangs around Cheeto King because he could use some bailouts in the form of government contracts or phony money with an incredible name like "Stargate"
When forums say that they banned Microsoft Lunduke or don't want him mentioned it's probably because they are familiar with the "stench" that follows him around
