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According to Microsoft the Linux kernel violates 42 of Microsoft’s patents, while the Linux’s graphical interface violates 65, OpenOffice infringes 45, open-source email programmes infringe 15, and other open-source programs, 68. However Microsoft refusal to admit specifically which patents have been violated has sceptics doubting the strength of their case.

At this stage it doesn’t appear that Microsoft is about to sue anyone. One reason for this being that many users of free or open source software (FOSS) are companies that are also important customers of Microsoft. In any case this is an issue that businesses using FOSS may need to keep an eye on. What Microsoft wants is royalties, and if they get their way there could be big implications for these businesses.

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