🚀 go-pugleaf

Peter da Silva wrote:
 
<snip>
> Bill Gates wouldn't have had the opportunity to demonstrate how much he
> sucked if the US Government hadn't already handed him his monopoly on
> such things as bogus algorithm patents and a fraudulent FIPS-151
><snip>

I'll admit that I don't know what a "FIPS-151 qualification" is, or how
it might affect my life, but I'd be curious for some elaboration on your
other point ("bogus algorithm patents").  Microsoft is one of the few
large technology companies out there that has never, AFAIK, attempted to
put the screws to smaller companies via enforcement of software patents.

The company I'm working with has recently been involved in the necessary
patent licensing surrounding MPEG Layer 3 audio, and believe me, after
that experience, the Evil Empire in Redmond seems tame by comparison.

I'm very well aware that MS maintains numerous software patents -- they
pretty much have to, as a defensive measure against the likes of IBM and
Unisys.  But I am not aware of any predatory enforcement attempts on
their part.  Maybe they're just too busy.  Maybe they're just being
nice.  Or maybe they realize that they have more to lose than anybody
else if they stir up that particular hornet's nest.  Either way, what
(ab)uses of software patents can you cite in which Microsoft has been
the aggressor?

-- jm

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