THE PATENT LINE
THE PATENT LINE
Many have begun to wonder whether the dark predictions regarding Linux patent infringement reflect a real danger, or whether the patent doomsday talk is intended primarily as a means for raising public awareness. The answer is that no one knows for sure – and the reason no one knows is perhaps the most unsettling part of the story. It was announced recently that Linux may infringe on as many as 283 patents. If you followed the story, you’ll recall that few details emerged as to which parts of Linux infringe on which patents. The reason for this lack of information is that, strangely, the more you know about patents, the more they can hurt you. US patent law imposes harsher penalties on those who violate patents knowingly than on those who violate without specific knowledge of the infringement. In other words, if you use or distribute Linux, you’d better avoid any specific knowledge of specific patent violations.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
News
-
Ubuntu Budgie Sets its Sights on Gamers
The upcoming release of Ubuntu Budgie includes a few nifty features that should make the lives of gamers a bit easier.
-
Linux Mint Edge Is Ready for the Newest Hardware
With the release of Linux Mint 20.03 comes a new version geared for newer hardware.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Now Available
That latest release of Linux Mint is now available for general use and offers a polished, but less Mint-y theme.
-
Linux is Getting an Exciting New Firmware Feature
Intel is bringing a new driver to the 5.17 kernel that will make it possible to update firmware without a reboot.
-
Elementary OS 6.1 Has Been Released
The .1 version of the sixth iteration of elementary OS (named Odin) is now available for download and takes the distribution to new heights of refinement.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Beta is Now Available
The developers of Linux Mint have made the beta of their latest release available for download and installation.
-
EndeavorOS 21.4 Has Arrived
Arch-based EndeavorOS 21.4 is finally available for download with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
NixOS 21.11 Now Available for Download
NixOS “Porcupine” has been made available for installation and includes numerous improvements.
-
KDE Plasma Developers Introduce a GNOME-Like Overview
A new overview effect makes it easier for users to interact with both Plasma Activities and Virtual Desktops.
-
Rocky Linux 8.5 Now Available with Secure Boot Support
The latest iteration of CentOS alternative, Rocky Linux has arrived and includes numerous updates as well as support for Secure Boot.