Linux Lab defuses Microsoft patent FUD
CEO Steve Ballmer reportedly fired a FUD missile at Microsoft's greatest rival today, suggesting that Linux violates 228 patents. Ballmer's alleged remarks badly misrepresent statements made in August by a Linux startup offering insurance against patent lawsuits. Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) CEO Stuart Cohen prepared a statement in response.
Ballmer made the comments at a meeting of Microsoft's Asian Government Leaders Forum in Singapore.
According to Reuters and CNet, Ballmer stated: "There was a report out this summer by an open-source group that highlighted that Linux violates over 228 patents . . . Someday, for all countries that are entering [the World Trade Organization], somebody will come and look for money to pay for the patent rights for that intellectual property . . . So the licensing costs are less clear than people think today."
