Re: Microsoft and TomTom settle

[Rjack]

Rex Ballard wrote:
> On Mar 30, 8:19 pm, Rjack <u...@example.net> wrote:
> > 7 wrote:
> > > Rjack the stupid 1 wrote:
>
> > > > "Microsoft and TomTom have settled their controversial
> > > > patent dispute, which included allegations that the Linux
> > > > kernel infringes on Microsoft's filesystem patents. TomTom
> > > > has licensed the patents from Microsoft, but intends to
> > > > remove from its Linux kernel the code that is covered by
> > > > the patents."
>
> The Lawsuit was probably something Microsoft was eager to get 
> settled.  Getting a settlement that netted Microsoft even a
> miniscule amount of money was a strategic coup.  Of course, this
> is why Microsoft wanted to sue a relatively small company like
> Tom-Tom rather than a monster like IBM, Verizon, Kodak, or AT&T.

The folks at eWeek see it a bit differently:

"March 30, 2009 2:05 PM
Microsoft Bangs TomTom to Submission

Microsoft is the big winner because the settlement:

* Affirms some of the more than 200 alleged patent violations by
open-source software. TomTom's licensing adds some legitimacy to
the patent claims; other alleged violators might be less willing
to fight.

* Ends a dispute regarding the widely used FAT. The file
system is intellectual property for which Microsoft expects to be
paid.

* Furthers Microsoft's increased emphasis on intellectual
property licensing. The company has realized that IP can generate
lots of revenue. IBM caught onto this years ago.

* Puts commercial Linux vendor in its place. For all the talk about
interoperability, Microsoft still treats Linux as the enemy. What
Microsoft can't gain competitively, it can get through litigation.

* Supposedly reaches terms that fall within the scope of GPLv2
(General Public License Version 2)."

http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/corporate/microsoft_bangs_tomtom_to_submission.html?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535