Use Linux and you will be sued, Ballmer tells governments

[bemildred]

Asian governments using Linux will be sued for IP violations, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said today in Singapore. He did not specify that Microsoft would be the company doing the suing, but it's difficult to read the claim as anything other than a declaration of IP war.

According to a Reuters report (which we fervently hope will produce one of Ballmer's fascinating 'I was misquoted' rebuttals), Ballmer told Microsoft's Asian Government Leaders Forum that Linux violates more than 228 patents. Come on Steve, don't hold back - what you mean 'more than 228' - 229? 230? Don't pull your punches to soften the blow to the community. "Some day," he continued, "for all countries that are entering the WTO , somebody will come and look for money owing to the rights for that intellectual property."

This reference is possibly more interesting than the infringement number scare itself, because it suggests that Microsoft sees the wider implementation of corporation-friendly IP law that is part of the entry ticket to the WTO as being a weapon that can be used against software rivals. More commonly, getting WTO members to 'go legit' is viewed as having a payoff in terms of stamping out counterfeit CDs, DVDs and designer gear, but clearly Microsoft's lawyers are busily plotting ways to embrace and extend this to handy new fields. It could be used to throttle emergent OSS companies, and it could conceivably be used to take the new generation of US (and maybe EU too) anti digital piracy and IP laws global.

The venue for Ballmer's menacing claims was nicely judged. Microsoft's Government Leaders Conferences are pitched as select events where chosen senior representatives and influencers from target governments are wined, dined, schmoozed and impressed by the cream of the Microsoft high command (We've explained them before.) They'll be intended to take away the message from this dynamic, hospitable and successful company that OSS is dangerous and will make you poor.

Register UK

[eataTREE]

1. I got a three letter acronym for ya, Steve. Actually, I've got two.

The first is MAD: Mutually Assured Destruction. Those of us who remember the Cold War remember this delightful concept that is the reason neither the USA nor the USSR ever launched a nuke: the knowledge that if they did so, the other side would annhilate them.

The next is IBM. Yup, International Business Machines. World's biggest patent holder and proud supporter of the Linux operating system.

Basically, IBM has hitched its wagon to Linux. They love Linux; it works on every platform they make, it's a good operating system, and they can develop the parts they're interested in and let others develop the parts they don't care about. It's also the only serious alternative to Microsoft domination.

Did I mention that IBM is the single biggest patent holder in the world?

Whichever company that makes a claim that Linux infringes upon their patent will recieve a visit from some very serious, very professional dark-suited men and women from IBM's legal team. They are going to politely but firmly indicate that their company is currently infringing on ten, or twelve, or fourteen IBM patents. And that IBM is willing to settle the matter for a token sum of a few million dollars -- and the withdrawal of all patent threats against Linux.

Witness the sad case of SCO, which made IP claims against Linux and is currently being slowly and thoroughly ground to bloody paste in the courts by IBM. This is the fate of any entity that tries this tack against Linux, and Ballmer knows it. He is, as usual, blowing smoke.

BIG FAT DISCLAIMER: This is my own personal opinion and is not intended to represent the opinions, beliefs, or corporate or legal strategy of IBM or any related company. Blah.

[MazeRat7]

2. More FUD... how does he plan to enforce US laws overseas ?

Even for WTO members... just asking ?

MZr7

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. I guess he will gladly turn himself in, I read in an interview that he

has a linux desktop in his office.

Another article I read said that within 3 years, linux will be more than 90% of China's desktop markets.

I think SteveO should retire before he blows a vessel in his head.

[Deja Q]

6. Open source rocks and corporate america can try all it wants to hijack

the principles, but they will fail.

[bemildred]

4. Use Windoze and you will be screwed, governments tell Ballmer. nt

[Deja Q]

5. Ball-less' FUD is despicable. More corporate america chicanery.

Fucking toddler.

See our illustrious, well mannered, corporate leader in action.