Re: [Sheflug] NVidia on SuSE and the SuSE/Novell/M$ thing

[Chris Warburton <chriswarbo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The clearest and least-flamebait argument I heard against the
Novell/Microsoft deal was as follows:

Novell want to push SUSE into corporate environments, that means they
need to improve compatibility with Microsoft Office macros and stuff to
be taken seriously. Because of the nature of software patents they don't
know whether they can implement this functionality in a 100% compatible
way without infringing patents, so they get patent protection for their
customers in case they do. That means they are not agreeing Linux
systems currently infringe, but just that they can add functionality to
SUSE that will infringe without getting sued.

The problem is that any additions Novell make to a GPLed project will
need to be released under the GPL, which means Novell customers have the
right to redistribute it to who they want, including non-Novell
customers. Since these customers won't be allowed to run it legally
because they are not covered, the Novell customer isn't allowed to give
it to them as the GPL needs all-or-nothing compliance. Since the Novell
customer isn't allowed to give it away, Novell isn't allowed to give it
to their customer for the same reason. Therefore any improvements Novell
make to GPL code which infringe patents can't actually be released
legally.

Of course I understand the other arguments, but this one seems to be the
most methodical in its explanation, whereas others are open to
speculation (read: flaming).

Don't get the wrong impression from what I wrote above, I like and
respect the GPL and don't see it as a headache, just that it sounds like
one in what I wrote. Also I don't hate Novell, they are a business doing
what businesses are meant to do, make profit.
Consumers/users/customers/whatever also have a duty though, to make sure
their freedoms and wellbeing are not trampled on by the
companies/government/etc. This situation sounds good on paper, with 2
opposing forces, but when the government starts working for the
corporations rather than the people, and the people are apathetic and
click through masses of legal crap thinking "I don't understand it so I
will say yes" rather than "I don't understand it, why the hell should I
have to wade through this stuff?", then we start to see problems since
the companies are no longer held back.

Well, just my 2p.

Chris Warburton


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