Re: A reply on the RTLinux discussion.

[John Levon <levon@movementarian.org>]

On Wed, May 29, 2002 at 04:37:10PM +0100, Alan Cox wrote:

> The fact you even ask that question means you've not read the most basic
> intro to patent law and patent licensing. Look up estoppel. When a
> promise not to sue for patent violation is made it has certain force.

You are assuming that legal departments hassling people is not a
problem. A simple threat, valid or not (legal or not), is enough to harm
a free software project built by volunteers. I know you know this.

> > No software patents ?
> 
> Which is the position Red Hat is campaigning for, both in the EU and
> also in the USA.

Just because the patent policy calls the inconsistency "perceived"
doesn't mean it's not a real inconsistency.

I can understand Red Hat's decision, but personally I think the
assertion that such patents do not harm the free software community is
deceptive.

Since I'm not planning to infringe on these patents any time soon, and
I've made my point, I'll shut up now :)

regards
john

-- 
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils."
	- Hector Louis Berlioz