3 ms·

I've reached the indifference stage of my relationship with Microsoft. They just aren't relevant to me. And I don't say that insultingly: tech is a huge ecosyst

by latch 12y ago

I've reached the indifference stage of my relationship with Microsoft. They just aren't relevant to me. And I don't say that insultingly: tech is a huge ecosystem and there are more companies that aren't relevant to me than are. (but I understand they're super relevant to a lot of people. cool.) Therefore, I feel that I can unemotional say: the patent lawsuits are a massive issue when it comes to talking about a "new" Microsoft. It's a major issue for me. Software patents are bad, and as long as they're using them offensively (and at this point, it would take a very long time before I trusted them to use them defensively), I'm not sure how justified the celebration of "open" and "new" is.

josefresco 12y ago
Microsoft clearly isn't alone (on both sides) in the software patent fiasco. I'm curious, what companies approach software patents correctly in your eyes?
- latch 12y ago
  I'll be disappointed if you tell me that I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that Google has been stellar with respect to patents. The only thing I'm aware of is that HTC used Google patents to counter-sue Apple a while ago, but that seems to fall under the "defensive" usage. At one point Microsoft was vocal about its patent portfolio being only defensive. Then mobile happened. I'm not sure if Apple, Samsung and others also did such an about-face.
  - josefresco 12y ago
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars Basically no one company's hands are clean, whether it be "defensive" in nature or not, patents are a necessary evil. Some highlights relating to Google which I guess if you were to pick a favorite, Google comes out decently as most of their patent buys were defensive. 2011, Jun 30: A consortium of companies made up of Apple, EMC Corporation, Ericsson, Microsoft, Research In Motion and Sony win against Google[50] in an auction of over 6,000 Nortel mobile-related telecommunications patents for $4.5 billion USD.[51][52] 2011, Jul 11-12: Google acquires 1,029 Patents from IBM for an undisclosed amount.[64][65] 2011, Aug 15: Google announces its intention to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion USD. Eighteen of Motorola's patents could potentially be used for defense or countersuits against Apple and Microsoft, and may influence the smartphone war. These patents may change the balance of power, and force the various players to settle their lawsuits.[71][72] 2011, Aug 17: Google acquires 1,023 more patents from IBM for an undisclosed amount (not revealed until 13 Sep 2011).[75] 2011, Sep 07: HTC countersues Apple using nine patents from Google. The move is seen as a possible first step for Google giving direct support in lawsuits involving manufacturers using Android.[81][82][83][84] 2013, December 23: Google initiates legal action against Rockstar Consortium with a countersuit filed in San Jose, California.[141]

by latch 12y ago

josefresco 12y ago

Microsoft clearly isn't alone (on both sides) in the software patent fiasco. I'm curious, what companies approach software patents correctly in your eyes?

latch 12y ago
I'll be disappointed if you tell me that I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that Google has been stellar with respect to patents. The only thing I'm aware of is that HTC used Google patents to counter-sue Apple a while ago, but that seems to fall under the "defensive" usage. At one point Microsoft was vocal about its patent portfolio being only defensive. Then mobile happened. I'm not sure if Apple, Samsung and others also did such an about-face.
- josefresco 12y ago
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone_patent_wars Basically no one company's hands are clean, whether it be "defensive" in nature or not, patents are a necessary evil. Some highlights relating to Google which I guess if you were to pick a favorite, Google comes out decently as most of their patent buys were defensive. 2011, Jun 30: A consortium of companies made up of Apple, EMC Corporation, Ericsson, Microsoft, Research In Motion and Sony win against Google[50] in an auction of over 6,000 Nortel mobile-related telecommunications patents for $4.5 billion USD.[51][52] 2011, Jul 11-12: Google acquires 1,029 Patents from IBM for an undisclosed amount.[64][65] 2011, Aug 15: Google announces its intention to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion USD. Eighteen of Motorola's patents could potentially be used for defense or countersuits against Apple and Microsoft, and may influence the smartphone war. These patents may change the balance of power, and force the various players to settle their lawsuits.[71][72] 2011, Aug 17: Google acquires 1,023 more patents from IBM for an undisclosed amount (not revealed until 13 Sep 2011).[75] 2011, Sep 07: HTC countersues Apple using nine patents from Google. The move is seen as a possible first step for Google giving direct support in lawsuits involving manufacturers using Android.[81][82][83][84] 2013, December 23: Google initiates legal action against Rockstar Consortium with a countersuit filed in San Jose, California.[141]