Linus Torvalds: patents "have no real value"; Microsoft is "convicted monopolist"

Wow, Linus Torvalds of Linux fame was really dishing and dealing during a podcast interview released today by the Linux Foundation.

On our Open Source blog my colleague Paula Rooney shares with my longtime friend and colleague Dana Blankenhorn, Paula posts some juicy let 'er rip quotes from my fellow Portlander Linus.

Paula notes that Linus said during his podcast that the U.S. patent system is broken, and that patents have no real value, except as tools to inflict fear.

Linus said in part about Microsoft:

“But they’re perfectly happy to use anything at all as fear, uncertainty and doubt in the marketplace and patents is just one thing where they say, “Hey, isn’t this convenient? We can use this as a PR force.”

Oh, and the "convicted monoplist" remark.

“Another reason why I don’t think Microsoft really seriously would go after patents is when you’re a convicted monopolist in the marketplace you really should not be suing your competitors over patents,” Linus also said. “I think that most Microsoft lawyers would say, “You know, let’s not do that; that sounds insane. ”

Wow, given Linus land of his birth, this could be a fight to the Finnish.

Are you listening, Redmond?

Are you reacting, readers?

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