[OT] Free software versus software idea patents (was: Python benefits over Cobra)

[Ben Finney]

Steven D'Aprano <steve+comp.lang.python at pearwood.info> writes:

> Mono is free, open source software that is compatible with .NET
[…]

It's difficult to take a claim of “free” seriously for a technology
(Mono) that knowingly implements techniques (the “C#” language, the
“.NET” platform, etc.) covered by specific idea patents held by an
entity that demonstrates every intention of wielding them to restrict
the freedom of software recipients.

Software idea patents are incompatible with free software. Every
non-trivial program likely violates countless such patents, but most of
those patents are not yet enforced even in the unlucky jurisdictions
where they are recognised by law.

Microsoft, though, is clearly a vigorous enforcer of software idea
patents they hold. They have been very cagey about stating what they
will and won't enforce about patents they hold on .NET – and none of
those statements are binding.

The freedom of a software work isn't a matter of the copyright license
alone; it's a matter of the freedoms each recipient has in the work.
What the copyright license grants, the applicable patents held by
demonstrably litigious parties can take away.

> http://ubuntu-tutorials.com/2007/03/13/squashing-a-few-myths-about-mono-development/

It squashes some myths, but does not address the restrictions imposed by
the .NET software idea patents at all AFAICT.

Here are some links that do address this:

    <URL:http://nocturn.vsbnet.be/content/get-facts-mono>
    <URL:http://www.fsf.org/news/dont-depend-on-mono>

-- 
 \          “Our products just aren't engineered for security.” —Brian |
  `\             Valentine, senior vice-president of Microsoft Windows |
_o__)                                                      development |
Ben Finney