Yahoo!: Attorney Clarifies Latest Open Source Myths Following Govt Guidance, Microsoft Posturing

“Recent guidance by a Federal advisory council on the use of
Open Source software (OS), along with saber rattling from Microsoft
Corp. alleging that over 200 software patents are used in the Linux
operating system, have raised fresh concerns over the legal risks
for companies using or switching to OS software according to
intellectual property lawyers at Pillsbury Winthrop LLP.

“‘It is crucial that end-users and developers alike understand
the reality of legal implications and patent issues surrounding OS
software,’ says James Gatto, an intellectual property partner in
the Northern Virginia office of Pillsbury Winthrop. ‘However, it is
important that people not fall prey to unfounded myths or succumb
to the fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) tactics that some people
say Microsoft is using…'”

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