Another look at the Microsoft Claims of Linux Patent Infringement
Much has been said on the absurdity of Steve Balmer’s assertion that Linux violates at least 235 patents from Microsoft. The consensus among rational people is that the claims are baseless and that certain design principles and algorithms are part of the computer sciences and not one company. If Microsoft ever won such a case then certainly other’s, including Apple and IBM, would have a field day nailing Microsoft for similar patent infringements.Which brings up an obscure idea about liability. What happens if a piece of technology based on one of Microsoft’s supposed patents causes major issues and lose of life? For instance if a major Linux system, running say the New York Stock Exchange, fails and groups seek reparations would Microsoft also be liable? I suspect not but Microsoft is willing to milk everyone for money related to patents but unlikely to accept responsibility for them.I suspect that Microsoft will never take this to court. First because Microsoft will likely get hit harder from others, such as Apple and IBM, when the precedence is set. But more importantly because the real goal is to use FUD to actually get profit from other OS sales such is the case with Samsung and Novell. If you think that Microsoft is really lame when it comes to engineering solutions, you have to give them credit for creative ways of generating revenue with a few threatening words.
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