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New Linux License To Put the Hurt on Microsoft -- Maybe

The Free Software Foundation has released version 3 of the license that governs Linux use and, as expected, it appears to put the kibosh on Microsoft's recent patent-racketeering spree with Linux distributors. But GPL v3 is no simple document, and it could cause some confusion for vendors still working under v2 (or deciding whether to take the FSF's advice and work with v3). If you're in charge of figuring this stuff out, good luck...and we hope you have some good lawyers.

Meanwhile, what will Microsoft do about its Linux deals? Is a courtroom battle royale over patents on the way? Or will Microsoft have to back off? Stay tuned -- this little saga is far from over.

Posted by Lee Pender on July 02, 2007


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