05.31.07
GPLv3 “Last Call” Draft Addresses Novell/Microsoft Deal
As Shane pointed out, where things stand at the moment, GPLv3 does indeed address the Microsoft/Novell deal. InformationWeek confirms this as well:
The final draft of GPLv3 states that companies that distribute open-source software cannot at the same time pursue patent claims against users of that software.
Mind you, this is “last call” draft. You may also wish to have a look at my most recent comment because Reuters is apparently making stuff up (again!).
Also, finally available to non-subscribers is a summary of the Novell/Microsoft session at OSBC (from lwn.net). You may wish to take a look at this.
The 2007 Open Source Business Conference featured a panel discussion on the question of whether the Microsoft/Novell agreement is good for open source or not. Your editor was asked to sit on this panel and try to represent the community’s point of view - as if the community has a single point of view.
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.