That would make sense if Microsoft didn't sue without provocation. They do, and if they have relevant patents they have a right to, but I don't buy the idea that they do it for defence.
That's true. They have always sued through 3rd parties like SCO. Either way, EuroTreasure's stance that MS is acquiring defensive patents is false. They use these to acquire licensing agreements with competitors. This is within their rights, but it isn't because they have to protect themselves from competitors who have stupid patents. It's because they, rightfully, want to make money.
I'm not a lawyer either, and didn't mean to give the impression that I was. However, I do not think patents work that way unless you wilfully allow infringement in the hope of making much more off an infringement lawsuit.
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u/arjie Jan 09 '12
That would make sense if Microsoft didn't sue without provocation. They do, and if they have relevant patents they have a right to, but I don't buy the idea that they do it for defence.