Munich's Linux Migration Raises EU Patent Issues

J ROC writes "Techweb has a story about the German city of Munich's Windows-to-Linux migration. It appears the move to replace 14,000 Windows desktops with Linux has hit a bump. Green Party alderman Jens Muehlhaus, who is a supporter of open-source software, has petitioned the mayor to examine the status of software patents in the European Community. The issue involves a proposed directive on software patents that is being considered by various European governments. Muehlhaus fears that a patent owner could issue a cease-and-desist order against Munich, thus hurting the operation of various city departments."

The real headline should have been

[Anonymous Coward]

"_______ Organisation uses Linux to make Microsoft lower prices", since that's all these cities and such threatening to switch to Linux really accomplish.

"These MS Office Licenses are too much"

"Let's tell MS we're switching to Linux!"

"Hey look, Office licenses for $29!"

"Mission Accomplished!"

Re:Contracts and commercial law

[Anonymous Coward]

If Open Source software violates somebody's patent, it may be possible for them to sue you for infringement.

Oh, like that will ever happen...I'd really like to see some rogue company try to take on the whole world...

Re:Should have been obvious from the EU directive

[Jesus_666]

By the way, the ffii site seems to be down. Anyone know why?

It infringes upon Microsoft's "Website with static or dynamic content" patent.