What's New: Microsoft To Block Open Source Software

Two executives from Microsoft say popular open source software from Linux to Open Office violate 235 Microsoft patents, and as a result Microsoft wants distributors and users to pay royalties. In an interview with Fortune magazine, the two said Linux's kernel and user interface violate 107 patents, while Open Office violates 45 more.

Microsoft previously announced licensing deals including a cross-licensing and indemnification agreement with Novell for Novell's Suse Linux, and a recent deal with Dell to provide Linux licenses from Microsoft.

Monday, May 14, 2007 09:35 am CDT

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