> In this sense, SW patents will not kill FOSS, but they will give large > companies much more leaway in determining its future, substantially > hollowing out the 'freedom' in free software.
Or, in a highly unlikely scenario it can go the other way. If IBM holds on to its pledge [1] not to use patents against linux, and if other companies follow extending their good will to all software that is compliant with the FSF and OSI definition than everyone will develop FOSS simply to stay clear of patent trouble and we'll have all the freedom in the world. [1] http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-5296787.html And another link: http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-870390.html - Stallman's thoughts on software patents, 2 years old. -- Novica # distributed via <nettime>: no commercial use without permission # <nettime> is a moderated mailing list for net criticism, # collaborative text filtering and cultural politics of the nets # more info: [EMAIL PROTECTED] and "info nettime-l" in the msg body # archive: http://www.nettime.org contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
