Monday, August 02, 2004

WSJ.com - Study Identifies Patent Risks Facing Linux Operating System

WSJ.com - Study Identifies Patent Risks Facing Linux Operating System "A new study has quantified potential patent problems facing the Linux operating system.
Open Source Risk Management Inc., a start-up that plans to offer insurance against litigation for users of Linux, said the study found 238 U.S. software patents that could be used to support claims against the Linux kernel, the technological core of the popular software.
About one-third of those patents are held by Linux backers, which wouldn't be likely to enforce patents against users, the company said. But 27 of the patents are held by MicrosoftCorp., an outspoken Linux opponent, and the rest are held by individuals or companies that may have little to lose by making legal threats against Linux users, OSRM said."

No comments: