Ubuntu founder defuses rumors of impending Microsoft deal (original) (raw)

In an announcement made in a personal blog entry, Mark Shuttleworth—Ubuntu patron and benevolent dictator for life—puts an authoritative end to speculation that Canonical or the Ubuntu project could be considering a patent agreement with Microsoft.

Although Shuttleworth has publicly condemned Microsoft's controversial deal with Novell on several occasions in the past, some have speculated that Canonical or Ubuntu might be the next to sign on. Novell, Linspire, and Xandros have all established patent covenants with Microsoft that essentially constitute mutual pacts not to sue for patent infringement.

Shuttleworth's blog entry attempts to completely defuse the rumors. "We have declined to discuss any agreement with Microsoft under the threat of unspecified patent infringements," says Shuttleworth. "Allegations of 'infringement of unspecified patents' carry no weight whatsoever. We don't think they have any legal merit, and they are no incentive for us to work with Microsoft on any of the wonderful things we could do together. A promise by Microsoft not to sue for infringement of unspecified patents has no value at all and is not worth paying for."

Although Shuttleworth completely rejects the possibility of a patent pledge, he seems genuinely interested in collaborating with Microsoft to improve interoperability. "I have no objections to working with Microsoft in ways that further the cause of free software," comments Shuttleworth, "and I don't rule out any collaboration with them, in the event that they adopt a position of constructive engagement with the free software community."

Shuttleworth believes that Microsoft's recent actions are hostile to open-source software, but he thinks that companies can change for the better. Citing past collaboration with Sun, Shuttleworth points out the potential for mutually beneficial relationships with companies that have previously been adversaries. "In the past, we have surprised people with announcements of collaboration with companies like Sun, that have at one time or another been hostile to free software. I do believe that companies change their position, as they get new leadership and new management," says Shuttleworth.