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Linux Defenders Seek To Undermine Microsoft Patents
By: Doug Caverly
Staff Writer
2009-04-29
Linux developers, listen up: Open Invention Network wants your help. Microsoft's recent lawsuit against TomTom seemingly opened the door to cases against other companies with Linux ties, and Open Invention Network intends to discover examples of prior art that could serve as protection.
Keith Bergelt, the CEO of Open Invention Network, explained in a statement, "The patent vetting activity offered by the Linux Defenders portal offers a unique opportunity to bring to bear the collective knowledge, passion and ingenuity of the Linux community to better explore the validity of the patents that were the subject of the recent action against TomTom."
He then continued, "I encourage active participation from the entire Linux community so that other companies seeking to advance Linux strategies can be better informed about the quality of these patents."
So if you want to join the fight (note the rousing term "Linux Defenders"?), look over U.S. patents 5579517, 5758352, and 6256642 at Post Issue, and speak up if you see anything that seems like it was around before Microsoft filed its paperwork.
The alternative might be Microsoft going after Linux-related companies, and that wouldn't be at all good for the field's health.
About the Author:
Doug is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest eBusiness news.
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