Microsoft patent suit -- they owe $338 million

[gamblor01]

I wonder if we will ever see the day where software patents are a thing of the past. I know here in the US there are lots of patent reform bills going on, but I hope eventually it becomes either extremely difficult to get a patent (right now they hand them out like candy) or we just do away with them entirely. In any case, MS can sue TomTom and others, and constantly claim that the Linux kernel infringes on Microsoft's patents, but this time they get a taste of their own medicine.


http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10215680-56.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

[Konan]

I don't see it happening in the future. If the Republicans are in charge, then government will not intercede in business disputes with laws. Now that the Democrats are running things, absolutely nothing will be done that hinders the filing of lawsuits in any way.

Konan

[mrrangerman43]

Konan

Now that the Democrats are running things,

Our freedoms are going to be all but gone. Nuff said

[Konan]

Actually, I believe that Windows will destroy the world before the Democrats get through destroying the US. Bin Ladin can only dream of doing a fraction of the damage that Microsoft has done to society.

Konan

[gamblor01]

Well, I wasn't really intending on arguing any politics here. I don't really have any allegiance to either party as I think that politics is mostly crooked anyway. I definitely vote, but I consider myself a moderate/independent.

I would point out however that the Patriot Act, quite possibly the most important piece of legislation in regard to obliterating personal freedom in the entire history of the USA was passed by a Republican controlled Congress and signed into law by a Republican president.

Also, the ACLU generally sides more with the Democratic party than the Republican party, especially on issues like gay rights. I think the only right that the Republican party fights for on a consistent basis is the right to bare arms, or rather, they fight for as little gun control as possible.

I don't want to get into any political debate however. I just found the above comments contradictory to what I generally see in reality.

Remember though, this thread is about Microsoft! :D

[loopback48]

I'm 61 years old. And I've been around long enough to know that the Republicans talk a good game but don't do much on delivering. Except for the fear mongering. They've done very well in that department. Matter of fact, fear mongering is all they have left.

I don't want to hear how the Republicans will do better. Not after being in power for so long without doing much. It will only ring hollow. Very much so.

P.S. Sorry for getting political. Bad habit of mine.

[leonpmu]

The sad thing is, that for Microsoft, 338 Million dollars is chump change, considering that hey spend more than 750 Million dollars a year fighting Linux!!!

Edit : 388Miliion Dollars = still chump change for MS!!