alt Hacker NewsRight, but I thought it matters only if you sell something globally. Linux is distributed for free, so the burden of patent compliance is on the user, isn't it?
Replies
breakingcups • today at 9:32 AM
Distributing something for free doesn't mean you don't have patent obligations if you do it in the country that patent is valid in. On top of that, many corporations do sell their distribution of Linux.
dymk • today at 2:36 AM
Plenty of open source software avoids using patents even though it’s free. Selling doesn’t factor into it.
PunchyHamster • today at 9:12 AM
Both Ubuntu and RedHad sell a product, as do few other
pjc50 • today at 8:47 AM
Nope. Distribution is what matters.
Not a lawyer, but patent law refers to distribution too. It shouldn't matter if it's free or has a price if they can say you're distributing it to Brazilian users.