Don Clark’s article in yesterday’s Wall St. Journal described how Microsoft is taking new approach by using its portfolio of 4,500 patents to “defend the castle.” Large technology companies are accustomed to patent cross-licensing arrangements. The open source community, on the other hand, isn’t. It will be interesting to see just how far Microsoft pursues potential patent infringement litigation against open source competitors. Put a mark on the wall — and let’s plan to revisit this subject same time, next year.
Meanwhile, over on OnLamp.com there’s a great interview of Mitch Kapor by Steve Holden discussing his OSAF/Chandler effort. Wonder what his point of view is on this issue — and also the extent to which OSAF is seeking any kind of intellectual property protection on its innovations?