Η Novell θα υπερασπίσει το Linux με πατέντες!
Σε μιά παράδοξη, αλλά ενδεχομένως αναμενόμενη κίνησή της, μετά τις πρόσφατες αιτιάσεις για καταπάτηση πατεντών από τον πυρήνα Linux, η εταιρεία Novell ανακοίνωσε σήμερα ότι προτίθεται να χρησιμοποιήσει τις πατέντες λογισμικού που κατέχει για να υπερασπίσει προϊόντα ΕΛ/ΛΑΚ που προωθεί ή υποστηρίζει απέναντι σε εχθρική χρήση πατεντών από άλλες εταιρείες. Συγκεκριμένα, η ανακοίνωση της εταιρείας αναφέρει, μεταξύ άλλων:
As with all purchasing considerations, customers should keep software patents in perspective. In reality, open source software poses no greater risk of patent infringement than does closed source software.
Consistent with this belief, Novell will use its patent portfolio to protect itself against claims made against the Linux kernel or open source programs included in Novell?s offerings, as dictated by the actions of others.
In the event of a patent claim against a Novell open source product, Novell would respond using the same measures generally used to defend proprietary software products accused of patent infringement. Among other things, Novell would seek to address the claim by identifying prior art that could invalidate the patent; demonstrating that the product does not infringe the patent; redesigning the product to avoid infringement; or pursuing a license with the patent owner.
As appropriate, Novell is prepared to use our patents, which are highly relevant in today?s marketplace, to defend against those who might assert patents against open source products marketed, sold or supported by Novell. Some software vendors will attempt to counter the competitive threat of Linux by making arguments about the risk of violating patents. Vendors that assert patents against customers and competitors such as Novell do so at their own peril and with the certainty of provoking a response. We urge customers to remind vendors that all are best served by using innovation and competition to drive purchasing decisions, rather than the threat of litigation.