11.10.07
GPLv3 Brings Patent Remedies When They Are Most Needed
“Shields up. Upgrade your GPL.
Palamida, which tracks and informs readers about GPLv3 adoption, seems to have shifted to a more regular reporting cycle. Here is the latest:
This is a growth of 50 new projects , which is consistent with past growth of approximately 50 projects per week.
”Acceleration is an indication of a ‘network effect’, which is even more important than a ‘tipping point’.“As indicated there, one nice chart to see is a chart where the y-axis is the number of new projects whose licence is to be upgraded (the x-axis being week or month). This would show pace of growth, which seems to have accelerated at some stage in the past. Acceleration is an indication of a ‘network effect’, which is even more important than a ‘tipping point’.
One of the issues that GPLv3 addresses is software patents. It seems clear that the patent trolls are keeping busy. The Burst lawsuit is far from over.
“…The order leaves 22 claims remaining, claims that the court did not find as invalid or anticipated. These remaining 22 claims include some significant audio and video claims that reach key Apple products including the Mac. Burst looks forward to trying its case in court against Apple early next year.”
Remember the Burst video that we once mentioned? It was used to show what type of trivial things get patented nowadays. These patents are intended to be used to abuse large companies. They are used against development.
To Burst, What a victim would be better than a popular iPod? A couple of months ago, after millions of PlayStation 3s had been sold, a lesser-known company sued Sony for patent infringement and demanded the destruction of all PlayStation 3s. The trolls aim for high numbers. How about Greenpeace (whom I personally appreciate) using an attack on the iPhone — being a just scapegoat — to generate more media buzz that serves Greenpeace? It brings greater awareness to Greenpeace’s cause, but harassment it is too.
Recent items:
- A Quick Guide to GPLv3 (FSF)
- Mark Webbink On: GPLv3 (Red Hat Magazine)
It is worth adding that In the video above, Mark Webbink repeats what was said in a few isolated places before. The Linux kernel will potentially be upgraded to GPLv3+ one day, assuming some scenarios. One such hypothetical scenario, which was mentioned in the kernel’s mailing lists, involves Sun choosing GPLv3 for OpenSolaris. Under such circumstances, Linus Torvalds is at least willing to think about GPLv3. He is not ready to say farewell to what he perceives as a better licence (GPLv2).
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.