Re: TomTom to contest Microsoft patent lawsuit ..

[Doug Mentohl]

amicus_curious wrote:

> > What effect on the case would it be if Tom-Tom eliminated all proprietary 
> > software and used a purely GPL solution?

> All of the previously shipped Tom-Tom units would have to be recalled or else 
> Tom-Tom would have to pay for a license for them.

Wouldn't it be simpler for the endusers to go to the Update Site ..

> > What third party software is at issue here?

> I don't know that there is any.

Microsoft's claim explicitly references proprietary software:

"This is an action for patent infringement arising under the patent laws 
of the United States", PDF #1

and

"On information and belief, certain portable navigation computing 
devices and associated computer software that infringe the Microsoft 
PAtents are manufactured for TomTom N.V. by third parties located in 
Asia. On information and belief, these infringing products are imported 
for sale (in various outlets and websites) in the United States by 
TomTom, Inc"

"Complainant may move to add one or more such producers or customers to 
this investigation should they, or the scope of their involvement with 
infringing activities, become identified later through discovery or 
otherwise", PDF #2

> > Why isn't MS going after these third parties?

> You need to be more explicit.

MS claims certain proprietary software violates its patents, see above. 
You did read the complaint, didn't you fuddie?

> > What effect on MSs entire patent portfolio would it be if MS lost this case?

> It could encourage other companies to dispute patents held by Microsoft, but 
> that is always the case.

But what effect would it have on the monetary value of the MS patent 
portfolio.

> Have they ever helped anyone in the past?

"Patents owned by Open Invention NetworkSM are available royalty-free to 
any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its 
patents against the Linux System"

http://www.openinventionnetwork.com/about.php

"The Linux Foundation is working closely with our partner the Open 
Invention Network and our members, and is well prepared for any claims 
against Linux,"

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/infoworld/20090227/tc_infoworld/127066
http://tinyurl.com/d2jxu2
http://uk.support.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/tomtom_uk.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3171&Lid=1
http://www.techflash.com/microsoft/Microsoft_sues_TomTom_over_patents_in_case_with_Linux_subplot_40305732.html
tomtomComplaint.pdf, tomtomitc.pdf ...