--Linus Torvalds
IT IS worth re-emphasising that while Novell purports to be an advocate of open source software (not Free software), its mixed-source claims [1, 2, 3, 4] take such ambition to task and Novell's business is still overwhelmingly reliant on proprietary software. Moreover, Novell is not against software patents. In fact, it's actively obtaining quite a few.
Optimized decompression using annotated back buffer, patent No. 7,439,882, invented by Michael Meeks of Newmarket, U.K., assigned to Novell Inc. of Provo.
A system and method for decompression optimization employing a data input and a dedicated back buffer and data parser. The system and method also relate to accelerating the parsing process during decompression of a block of data by taking advantage of those naturally occurring redundancies within the block of data identified at compression time. The system of the invention includes a parser and an annotated back buffer which operate collectively to optimize the parsing process during decompression.
System and method of associating objects in search results, patent No. 7,440,948, invented by Jon Eric Trowbridge of Chicago, Ill., and Nathaniel Dourif Friedman of Boston, Mass., assigned to Novell Inc. of Provo.
Wow, it's been a while since anyone has tried to paint Novell as the party of advantage in their MS deal. My question is, if Novell's patent portfolio is so great, how come there is no ongoing royalty from MS to Novell, as their certainly is on open source software shipped under the agreement by Novell?
This really puzzles me. Matt Asay says he likes and respects Gutierrez and thinks he really does understand the issues. Yet, if that's true, how can he justify respect for someone that still, apparently willingly (willfully?), grants an interview for the main purpose of spewing Microsoft's insidious patent and IP FUD to the world?
I think Mr. Asay is being much too kind in assuming that an IP lawyer, employed by Microsoft, actually has a heart to begin with, much less knows where "the right place" is to put it.
--Richard Stallman
Comments
OO
2008-10-22 19:21:00
Roy Schestowitz
2008-10-22 19:23:08
colin
2008-10-22 19:45:06
Bah.
Roy Schestowitz
2008-10-22 19:48:11
Dan O'Brian
2008-10-22 23:44:14
1. it won't be used for anything other than defensive purposes 2. he actively combats software patents
Obtaining patents is not a sign that he is pro-Software Patents, it is simply a smart thing to do.
Better that a responsible Free Software developer like Michael Meeks apply for the patent than someone who would be likely to use it for offensive purposes.
Dan O'Brian
2008-10-22 23:47:21
This quote just shows Shane's ignorance. The massive quantities of money going from Microsoft to Novell is precisely because Microsoft is paying royalties to Novell. This fact is well documented for those willing to research.
Dan O'Brian
2008-10-22 23:48:36
Roy Schestowitz
2008-10-22 23:57:24
Dan O'Brian
2008-10-23 01:02:37
Roy Schestowitz
2008-10-23 01:24:27
Dan O'Brian
2008-10-23 01:38:29
Roy Schestowitz
2008-10-23 01:43:06
Don't fight fire with fire. Or fight a bonfire with a matchstick.. and a teaspoon.
Dan O'Brian
2008-10-23 01:54:56
Another advantage of doing that is that they can more easily protect themselves and/or FLOSS itself from patent (or other) attacks from proprietary software companies. Granted, this will not help defend against patent troll companies, but it's still a lot better than nothing.
Patent trolls are also not the most dangerous sources of patent attacks, they usually only demand a small amount of cash (well, small for a company to pay) - the idea is that they want an out-of-court settlement because they know that if it goes to court, they stand a good chance of losing. By demanding less than what it'd cost a company to defend themselves in a court battle, they hope that their target will simply pay it. "Easy money".
Patent trolls are the most annoying, but they are unlikely to ever be able destroy any company.
(I do agree with you, though, that patent trolling should be illegal and are a clear indication that the current patent system is broken).
Roy Schestowitz
2008-10-23 02:04:16
I believe we are at a crossroad now, particularly amid the economic collapse. The patent system too is almost imploding and patent literature online is clearly worried. To push the system over the cliff at these fragile times should not be as hard as you imagine. Just watch how EPO _STAFF_ took it to the streets against their own employers, accusing them -- essentially -- of corruption.
Dan O'Brian
2008-10-23 03:46:50