Microsoft, TomTom settle patent disputes
Summary
Topics
As part of the deal, TomTom will pay Microsoft for coverage for the software maker's mapping-related patents as well as the file management patents that Microsoft claimed were infringed by TomTom's use of the Linux kernel. Microsoft will also get access to the TomTom patents that were cited in TomTom's countersuit against Microsoft, although Microsoft won't be making any payment to TomTom.
In a statement, the two companies said that the settlement provides TomTom patent coverage "in a manner that is fully compliant with TomTom's obligations under the General Public Lucense Version 2." As part of the agreement, TomTom will "remove from its products the functionality related to two file management systems patents," over the next two years. The agreement protects TomTom's customers under the patents during that time, the companies said.
The settlement has a five-year term. Additional specific financial terms were not disclosed, the company said.
"We are pleased TomTom has chosen to resolve the litigation amicably by entering into a patent agreement," Microsoft deputy general counsel Horacio Gutierrez said in a statement.
Microsoft filed its legal actions against TomTom last month. Attention in the case centered around the Linux claims as it marked the first time that Microsoft had filed court papers with its long-held assertion that Linux infringes on its intellectual property.
Although the pact settles things for TomTom, it leaves unresolved Microsoft's broader claims against Linux, The software maker has refused to say what actions it might take against other companies that use Linux commercially.
This article was originally posted on CNET News.
Talkback Most Recent of 14 Talkback(s)
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peaceful endings
Well it looks like all the fireworks the anti MS fanboys were hoping for didn't happen. This was probably best for all.
dougbeer30th Mar 2009 -
Without knowing further details of the settlement, hard to say what
really happened. It could be that MS bailed, realizing the publicity nightmare, and the chance of having patents nullified.
DonnieBoy30th Mar 2009 -
Will open source now sue Tom Tom???
After all, the GPL forbids these sorts of deals. Will open source now sue to protect the GPL or will they do the rational thing and look the other way?
No_Ax_to_Grind30th Mar 2009 -
Sure is quiet in here.
Gee, I wonder why? LOLNo_Ax_to_Grind30th Mar 2009 -
Not much to talk about until we know the details. MS may have bailed, with
TomTom throwing them a fish, paying 5 bucks, and including wording in the agreement that they paid for the patents so MS can continue rattling their sabers.DonnieBoy30th Mar 2009 -
Pretty funny huh?
You seem to think it's pretty funny bit.
The reason it's quiet is because many of us are disgusted and frustrated to see a small company pay protection money because a corrupt, abusive, powerful company has abused an utterly corrupt system to protect and increase it's power. And to realize that our utterly corrupt system will not likely ever be fixed until such a time as it completely collapses.
Funny huh bit?
You're sick!
Tim Patterson30th Mar 2009 -
GPL2 ?
I don't think there is anything to sue if TomTom is using the patents only in GPL2 software.
GPL3 might be stricter but that could be avoided.
IE930th Mar 2009 -
RE: Microsoft, TomTom settle patent disputes
Hrmm here I said Microsoft would win and TomTom would have to pay up, sure enough, look what happened! TomTom is no longer getting a free ride on patents. HAHA!
Loverock Davidson30th Mar 2009 -
Paying for the patents, and admitting that they are used in GPL code are
two different things. But, in any case, until we know the details of the settlement, not much to discuss. It is very likely that TomTom paid an insignificant amount and this is MS exiting with their tail between their legs.DonnieBoy30th Mar 2009 -
paymnet most likely 250k
As that is the normal amount for which MS licences the FAT filesystem related patents to anyoneIE930th Mar 2009 -
I say most likely the amount was insignificant, or MS would have no reason
to hide the ammount.DonnieBoy30th Mar 2009 -
Re: Donnieboy
Come now. A few day ago you were saying MS was going to take it in the shorts. Now they have their tails tucked between their legs? Open your eyes; don't let your hatred of MS cloud your judgement.
Col Mustard30th Mar 2009 -
x
xDonnieBoy30th Mar 2009 -
This is just another shot across the bow...with intent.
With all the media coverage, and the apparent win, MS has just increased the size of the ever stationary black cloud looming on Linux's horizon.
And at just the time when, due to the recession, a lot of businesses will be looking to Linux with hopeful eyes.
I think a comparison between Ubuntu 9.10 and Windows 7 will be an interesting one. Features and financials.
MarkiusLanzius31st Mar 2009
Talkback - Tell Us What You Think
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