Re: <nettime> A 'licensing fee' for GNU/Linux?

[Novica Nakov <novican@mt.net.mk>]

> In this sense, SW patents will not kill FOSS, but they will give large
> companies much more leaway in determining its future, substantially
> hollowing out the 'freedom' in free software.

Or, in a highly unlikely scenario it can go the other way. If IBM holds on to 
its pledge [1] not to use patents against linux, and if other companies 
follow extending their good will to all software that is compliant with the 
FSF and OSI definition than everyone will develop FOSS simply to stay clear 
of patent trouble and we'll have all the freedom in the world.


[1] http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-5296787.html

And another link: http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-870390.html - Stallman's 
thoughts on software patents, 2 years old.



-- 
Novica

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