Comments on: IBM pledges no patent attacks against Linux

update Big Blue's book of patents won't be used to bludgeon the open-source software.

Hello - IBM supports Linux

Why would IBM seek infringement against Linux if it is a staunch supporter? Thisarticle has very little news value. Also doesn't IBM make money off its patents - if its IP was threatened Donofio said IBM would protect themselves.
"IBM has no intention of asserting its patent portfolio against the Linux kernel, unless of course we are forced to defend ourselves," There is not threat here - IBM makes money off of Linux and associated services.

To be expected from the freakfest at Linux World. who do they go to when you have built a solution that is two kernals old - nightmare.
Who do they go to for free support?

[dirk128]

LOL MS Patents

"OSRM believes Microsoft holds 27 patents that Linux might infringe upon"

They (MS) would likely only act when they are finished being sued for numerous patent infringments themselves. Which will be a long time.

Many are using Windows day-to-day without worrying about lawsuits brought on by using a software product that infringes on many patents - they just let MS slug it out (constantly) in court or out of it maybe with a few hundred mil. You see it is easier to buy than to invent and/or innovate - it's the MS business plan it seems. Maybe MS is going to apply for 3000 patents this year (likely including sunshine I'm sure!) but just 'cause you apply doesn't mean you have s**t. Just more hot air from the dying dragon! ha

MS business plan, it seems

While it is true that Microsoft will initially buy a product to get into a new market, you are wrong that they do not innovate. I believe their moto is "embrace and extend". Microsoft has one of the largest R&D funded efforts both within their own company and through higher education. Microsoft also buys rights to use patents, as with Sun Microsystems deal.
It seems you bias against Microsoft is spoiling your ability to get the facts right.

Open source cannot coexit with patents

The GPO license prevents companies using published source in non-GPO licensed commercial development; intellectual property right patents prevent GPO developers from using their code. IBM's announcement assuring the LINUX community they will not pursue patent infringements against the LINUX kernel seems to bolster the notion that LINUX and Open Source developers in general have dipped into other people's intellectual property, otherwise why did IBM need to assuage the LINUX community?

Does SCO have an argument after all?

[David Arbogast]

I wonder....

I wonder how the patent-hating, intellectual-property disregarding open-source community will accept a verbal promise from one of the world's largest patent-holders.

The minute Linux ceases to create growth at IBM, will not IBM be forced to "defend their company?" When IBM is sued by companies other than SCO, for IP theft, will they not be forced to defend themselves?

IBM made a very public non-statement that only served to acknowledge the patent violations plaguing Linux.

[Johni Depp]

world's largest patent-holders

IBM made a very public non-statement that only served to acknowledge the patent violations plaguing Linux.
http://myweb.yahoo.com/myweb?ei=UTF-8&dg=0&friendid=9NNwZLPVBpddooSQt7oXaw--

Understatement: IBM more patents annually than any other computing co

IBM holds more technology patents than any
other commercial entity or individual in
history. It is currently the largest research
entity in the world. They make Microsoft look
like Arby's when it comes to technological
advances. IBM averages seven patents a day, and
these aren't Microsoft "grand-standing" patents.
These are patents for new technology that IBM's
reseach teams actually produced. It's thanks to
IBM that you are reading this message--since IBM
invented the computer essentials such as the
hard disk drive. IBM is the Prometheus of the
information age. If IBM's pledge is an earnest
one, Linux is in a good position to change the
way we view IP and the creative process.