[rit]

Linux fans may someday have to square with issued patents. Sure there is a report about potential patent infringement which is not released to the public. But, anybody can see there are 25 issued US patents with claims containing Linux, not to mention the pending 150 applications, of which only one is assigned to Microsoft. It is never a problem until the patent holder asserts their patent, and, it is found to actually be valid.

[konaice]

I'n not sure of your entire point here.

The mere fact that the word "linux" appears in a patent is meaningless.

[The Duke]

Linux fans may someday have to square with issued patents.

It better happen fast, because one thing about patents is that THEY EXPIRE! Remember the .GIF patent and the patent on RSA encryption? All water under the bridge now.

Of course I *DO* realize that industry will undoubted lobby our corrupt politicos to increase these limits (as they have successfully done with copyrights) - but permit me my fantasies!