Microsoft Sues Lindows

[Jason]

According to this article:
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-8246647.html?tag=ch_mh

Microsoft feels that a Unix start-up called Lindows is infringing on their trademark name Windows. The Lindows OS will be able to run programs that are traditionally only able to run on the Windows OS.

"Lindows is based on the Wine project, an open-source effort to mimic the commands that Windows programs use. The San Diego-based Lindows company was launched earlier this year by Michael Robertson, former CEO of digital music site MP3.com.

Robertson characterized the move as another attempt by Microsoft to thwart a viable threat to its Windows empire."

Microsoft, however, claims that they have no objection to the product itself.

So what's your opinion on the matter? Is MS just trying to kill the competition before it gets started?, or is this s true case of copyright infringement?

[fredricknish]

They have a website too:)

http://www.lindows.com

I just read that e-bays sued bidbay for copy of design and layout of e-bay.:)

[Dave Swift]

Yes, it is quite clearly an example of MS using copyright & trademark laws to do away with a threat to them. They are simply doing a bit of rebellion crushing, financial style.

Be choosing the name 'Lindows' though they left themselves wide open for this to happen. However MS would probably have found some other way to stop them regardless.

[pixelmonkey]

that's funny! i think microsoft just has it out for mike! :D anyhow, this OS has a GRRREAT start by catching the spotlight, now that the name is there, if the product can back up what it says it can (and likely will) windows is sweating for good reason... but it's not like they cant blow a few 100 million to take care of this guy from the tech. field! ;) then there are always the major corps that are just die hard MS.

if this linux orgin OS takes like a monkey to bananas, MS will be around for at LEAST another decade! (just live and let live)

Microsoft, is the past coming back to haunt you???
chris<pixelmonkey>:monkey:

[WrestleSages]

hmm I wonder if their new version is Lindows MP