Microsoft wants royalties from Linux and OpenOffice
Microsoft wants royalties from users and distributors of open-source software which it claims violates 235 of its patents reports Fortune magazine. As an example it says the Linux kernel infringes on 42 patents, while its user interface and design elements infringe on a further 65.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says its open-source competitors need to "play by the same rules as the rest of the business" and that "what’s fair is fair."
Rather than going to court though, Microsoft seems to be employing a cunning plan which involves "encouraging" large tech companies that depend on Linux to ink patent deals with them. It seems that it’ll only be a matter of time before Microsoft starts getting "nasty" with those companies who don’t come around to their way of thinking.
