OSWALD Newsletter Archives (by issue #, click to view)
The Open Source Law Weekly Digest or OSWALD first launched late in 2002. Since then it has been regularly providing updates on all things open source related. The focus of this newsletter is on business, rather than technical developments in open source. Another strong component of the newsletter is IP news, as it is of interest to me and has an effect on open source.
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Welcome to the Open Source Law Weekly Open Source Digest (OSWALD)
A number of threads this week, including more on the looming boot lockout, and Motorola being sued for patent infringement and an interesting article on xvid. RMS' (short, not particularly noteworthy) comments on Steve Jobs have generated controversy.
Check my Posts on Authorization in AU/iiNet: http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/iinet-the-history-of-authorization-and-sanction-approve-countenance/
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/iinet-authorisation-and-the-nature-of-the-relationship-under-1011ab/
*From my blog: http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/gov-2-0-open-source-wrongness/
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/iinet-disturbed-by-full-federal-court-decision/
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2010/12/07/cablegate-shows-copyright-as-the-emporers-new-clothes/
Verbatim distribution with attribution ok.
Other distribution - email me.
Regards
Brendan
Brendan Scott
Open Source Law
***** Open Standards/ODF
Flash's departure clears way for format stand-off http://www.itworld.com/it-managementstrategy/206323/flashs-departure-clears-way-format-stand
Here's the problem: while Microsoft and Apple's browsers will be supporting the
Spreadsheets Come to ODF as Version 1.2 Wins Approval http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/240930/spreadsheets_come_to_odf_as_version_12_wins_approval.html
The ODF 1. 2 specification, which aims to perfect the spreadsheet workflow, has been approved by the members of the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS).
***** Off Topic
Innovation Starvation http://www.worldpolicy.org/journal/fall2011/innovation-starvation
Privacy for the people: Wall Street protesters use app Vibe to communicate anonymously http://www.nydailynews.com/tech_guide/2011/09/28/2011-09-28_occupy_wall_street_protesters_in_new_york_use_iphone_android_app_vibe_to_communi.html#ixzz1ZLj0GNhW
The "Vibe" app allows users to post tweet-like messages to other users' mobile phones without revealing their identities, as no registration is required.
***** Government/Policy
Premier League games can be shown on foreign decoders http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15162241
The ECJ now says national laws which prohibit the import, sale or use of foreign decoder cards are contrary to the freedom to provide services. [duh]
Australia reviews tier-two software patents http://www.itnews.com.au/News/275307,australia-reviews-tier-two-software-patents.aspx
The Federal Government may consider excluding software from its second-tier patent system to better align Australian patents with those of trading partners like Japan and Korea.
Wikipedia shuts Italy site to protest Berlusconi "gag law" http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/05/us-italy-privacy-idUSTRE79443S20111005
http://piana.eu/
Wikipedia has disabled its Italian website in protest against a privacy law drafted by Silvio Berlusconi's government which would impose new restrictions on newspapers and Internet pages and curb police wiretaps.
The Story Behind This American Life's 'When Patents Attack' http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111004/02015216192/story-behind-this-american-lifes-when-patents-attack.shtml
...Alex originally intended it to be a short segment on this crazy idea of "patent trolls," with the idea of having a patent troll discuss why they do what they do. But, from there, the story kept getting more interesting -- especially after Intellectual Ventures simply could not credibly point to a single situation in which they'd helped to better society by helping bring new products to life or even of any inventors who they'd helped, beyond just getting their patents into litigation.
Brazil to debate 'anti-ACTA' bill, defying US http://www.thinq.co.uk/2011/10/5/brazil-debate-anti-acta-bill-defying-us/
An English translation of the bill can be found here, but key provisions include protection of net neutrality and the privacy and personal data of individuals - directly contrary to the carte blanche given by ACTA for copyright holders to demand traffic logs from ISPs to identify alleged offenders.
Olson TZ database shut down by copyright case http://article.gmane.org/gmane.comp.time.tz/4133
A civil suit was filed on September 30 in federal court in Boston; I'm a defendant; the case involves the time zone database.
***** Patent/CR/DRM News+Policy
No Android Settlement in the Cards for JavaOne http://blog.devx.com/2011/09/no-android-settlement-in-the-c.html
To date, no settlement has been reached though the two Larry's have met several times. The two companies are still in a mediation phase, but it's unclear and I think unlikely that a deal will now be reached before JavaOne starts on October 2nd.
US signs ACTA http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/10/us-signs-international-anti-piracy-accord.ars
The United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea signed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement on Saturday, an accord targeting intellectual property piracy.
Argument preview: Copyright and the public domain http://www.scotusblog.com/2011/10/argument-preview-copyright-and-the-public-domain/
US Supreme Court rules downloading music is not a public performance http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2114430/supreme-court-rules-downloading-music-public-performance
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) argued that downloading music legally constitutes a public performance, thereby allowing it to collect royalties. The US Supreme Court ruled that ASCAP's interpretation of a section of the Copyright Act was incorrect.
Innovatio’s Infringement Suit Rampage Expands To Corporate Hotels http://patentexaminer.org/2011/09/innovatios-infringement-suit-rampage-expands-to-corporate-hotels/
NinjaVideo Founder Pleads Guilty in Virginia to Criminal Copyright Conspiracy http://www.newyorkparalegalblog.com/2011/09/ninjavideo-founder-pleads-guilty-in.html#more
Hana A. Beshara, 29, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty today for her role in founding NinjaVideo. net, a website that provided millions of users with the ability to illegally download infringing copies of copyright-protected movies and television programs in high-quality formats.
Samsung to Seek Ban on Apple iPhone 4S in France, Italy http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203476804576612263249472784.html
Samsung Electronics Co. said it will try to stop the sale of Apple Inc. 's iPhone 4S in France and Italy, aiming to use publicity over the device's introduction as leverage against Apple in a broader fight over the design of smartphones and tablet computers.
Sarnoff: Derivation and Prior Art Problems with the New Patent Act http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2011/10/sarnoff-derivation-and-prior-art-problems-with-the-new-patent-act.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PatentlyO+%28Dennis+Crouch%27s+Patently-O%29
Key Case Involving Apple, Google And App Developers Gets New Judge [Lodsys v. Combay] http://paidcontent.org/article/419-key-case-involving-apple-google-and-app-developers-gets-new-judge/#keep_reading
In the latest twist, the case has a new judge. U. S. District Judge T. John Ward is stepping down from the bench to join the law firm of his son, T. Johnny Ward Jr. , an East Texas attorney who has obtained multi-million dollar patent verdicts against large technology companies.
Motorola Faces New Lawsuit http://www.pcworld.com/article/241364/motorola_faces_new_lawsuit.html
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/10/worlds-leading-patent-troll-sues-motorola.ars
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-intellectual-ventures-piles-on-motorolas-patent-woes-with-another-lawsu/
http://www.intellectualventures.com/NewsRoom/Insights/11-10-06/IV_Files_Patent_Infringement_Complaint_Against_Motorola_Mobility.aspx
***** Applications/Gadgets
Puppet Enterprise 2.0 Expands Configuration Management http://www.serverwatch.com/server-news/puppet-enterprise-2-expands-configuration-management.html
With the new Puppet 2. 0 Enterprise Release, Puppet Labs, the lead commercial sponsor of Puppet, is aiming to further accelerate Puppet adoption with improved usability and provisioning capabilities.
NETGEAR Improves Access and Security in Network Appliance (Linux Powered!) http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/features/article.php/3939411/Netgear-Improves-Access-and-Security-in-Network-Appli
The UTM9S is a modular hardware appliance that allows small business to swap new modules into the device that can provide additional capabilities. Under the hood, the UTM9S uses Cavium processors and a hardened Linux operating system.
Review: Minus Desktop Application for Linux http://techlaze.com/2011/09/minus-desktop-application-for-linux/
Minus is a free service that lets you share files easily with your friends and family. Its goal is to make file sharing as simple as possible by allowing users to upload and share their files from anywhere, be it mobile, desktop, or web.
Google open sources JavaScript testing tools http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/09/30/google_open_sources_javascript_testing_tools/
Google is open sourcing one of its key JavaScript testing tools in an effort to get developers to speed up web applications.
Samsung Compares Galaxy S II to Apple's New iPhone http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220574/Samsung_compares_Galaxy_S_II_to_Apple_s_new_iPhone?taxonomyId=75
Samsung countered this week's iPhone 4S announcement by proclaiming that its Android-based Galaxy S II is superior to the Apple device in many ways, especially with a bigger screen size.
IPFire open source firewall gets ARM port http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item/IPFire-open-source-firewall-gets-ARM-port-1356845.html
***** Reports
Red Hat engineer renews attack on Windows 8-certified secure boot http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/09/26/uefi_linux_lock_out_row_latest/
http://ostatic.com/blog/microsoft-responds-to-linux-lock-out-claims
http://www.datamation.com/open-source/does-microsoft-hold-the-keys-to-desktop-linux-1.html
http://delimiter.com.au/2011/09/28/linux-fans-file-accc-complaint-over-win8-boot/
A senior Red Hat engineer has lashed back at Microsoft's attempt to downplay concerns that upcoming secure boot features will make it impossible to install Linux on Windows 8 certified systems.
RMS on Steve Jobs http://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#06_October_2011_%28Steve_Jobs%29
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/10/steve-jobs-stallman-dissenting-view.html
Steve Jobs, the pioneer of the computer as a jail made cool, designed to sever fools from their freedom, has died.
The Controversial History of Xvid http://www.gotsoft.com/blog/the-controversial-history-of-xvid.html
When Sigma Designs released their own MPEG-4 codec in 2002, those who were testing it discovered it seemed to have noticeably large amounts of Xvid's coding.
Linus Torvalds’s Lessons on Software Development Management http://h30565.www3.hp.com/t5/Feature-Articles/Linus-Torvalds-s-Lessons-on-Software-Development-Management/ba-p/440
http://www.linux-bg.org/docs/linus_torvalds_interview.html
Announcing the Ubuntu App Developer site http://developer.ubuntu.com/2011/09/announcing-the-ubuntu-app-developer-site/
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/canonical-launches-ubuntu-app-developer-platform-for-curious-cod/
http://www.datamation.com/open-source/is-the-ubuntu-app-developer-portal-a-game-changer-1.html
In that regard, developer. ubuntu. com has been built upon the foundations of existing tools such as the Ubuntu Software Centre and My Apps to offer a unified and consistent journey for both open-source, non-commercial and commercial app authors.
Free Unix! http://www.gnu.org/gnu/initial-announcement.html
Starting this Thanksgiving I am going to write a complete Unix-compatible software system called GNU (for Gnu's Not Unix), and give it away free(1) to everyone who can use it. Contributions of time, money, programs and equipment are greatly needed.
Intel Joins Samsung for Tizen as Linux-based Meego Dies http://www.datamation.com/open-source/intel-joins-samsung-for-tizen-as-meego-dies.html
Tizen is set to leverage HTML5 to promote the development of an open Linux-based mobile platform. The first release of Tizen is scheduled for the first quarter of 2012.
Microsoft's Samsung Android Patent Troll Win http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/microsofts-samsung-android-patent-troll-win/9634
* Was it a Linux only license? Note that in this case, Linux was only one element of the deal. The Linux only deals are sometimes between Microsoft and small companies that have little to gain by litigation
Amazon's Linux AMI is All Grown Up http://www.readwriteweb.com/cloud/2011/09/amazons-linux-ami-is-all-grown.php
The Linux AMI provides a Linux image for use on Amazon EC2, so that users have a way to get started with EC2 without having to create their own image or use one of the paid images from Red Hat or SUSE.
The Kindle Fire and the Triumph of Open Source http://www.forbes.com/sites/timothylee/2011/09/28/the-kindle-fire-and-the-triumph-of-open-source/
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/perlow/why-hps-webos-could-be-foundation-for-next-kindle-fire/18818
The Air Force's secure Linux distribution http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/the-air-forces-secure-linux-distribution/9618
Linux has long had a close, working relationship with governments, but Lightweight Portable Security (LPS) is the first official U. S. Linux distribution.
Mozilla is creating a 3D game engine for web browser called Gladius http://www.geek.com/articles/games/mozilla-paladin-project-is-developing-gladius-a-3d-game-engine-for-web-browsers-20111
Now Mozilla is getting in on the act, and has decided to work on its very own 3D browser engine called Gladius.
AirMech, New Action/RTS Hybrid Game Coming to Linux http://www.ubuntuvibes.com/2011/10/linux-game-preview-airmech-new.html
The game has been completely made with open source tools and the developers are particularly proud of it. Gradually during the development, all closed source tools/libraries were dropped.
Sony Ericsson regrets ignoring iPhone, rags on Windows Phone http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/10/03/sony.ericsson.ceo.regrets.not.heeding.apple.threat/
Like Motorola, Sony Ericsson is one of the few to stay Android-only. Those that have gone cross-platform have usually done so with a Microsoft licensing deal where it's presumed they get a 'discount' for using Windows Phone. Sony Ericsson hasn't struck a deal and may be pushed into paying more if it doesn't agree, although Nordberg made clear that he thought Windows Phone was inferior for now.
Linux is just good for Nokia business http://www.itworld.com/mobile-wireless/209425/linux-just-good-nokia-business
http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/78814
So why would Nokia appear to do a 180 and try a product release based on another form of Linux, codenamed "Meltemi"? Wasn't MeeGo good enough? And what about Symbian, which Nokia just completed outsourcing development and support to Accenture?
Red Hat Buys Gluster for $136 Million http://www.infostor.com//storage-management/red-hat-buys-gluster-for-136-million.html
Red Hat is acquiring the privately Gluster in an all-cash deal valued at $136 million. The deal is expected to close later this month. Gluster is the lead commercial sponsor behind the open source GlusterFS filesystem. The latest GlusterFS 3. 3 release provides advances for Big Data storage like Apache Hadoop.
LibreOffice Is One http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/simon-says/2011/10/libreoffice-is-one/index.htm
http://lxer.com/module/newswire/view/156627/
During that launch, the head of the product group promised the OSCON audience that Sun would soon turn OpenOffice. org over to a non-profit foundation. As each year passed, the community that grew around the project patiently waited for Sun to deliver on its promise. For various business reasons, it never happened, despite intensive lobbying inside Sun.
Rackspace Opens Up OpenStack With Planned Foundation, after Investing $$ Millions http://www.serverwatch.com/server-news/rackspace-opens-up-openstack-with-planned-foundation.html
Rackspace is now moving to set up an OpenStack Foundation that will be the steward of OpenStack project.
Eucalyptus Systems, Nebula and Virtual Bridges Join Linux Foundation http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/05/eucalyptus-systems-nebula-and-virtual-bridges-join-linux-foundation/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29
http://gregdekspeaks.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/an-interesting-new-direction/
Ice Cream Sandwich Launch Delayed http://www.pcworld.com/article/241380/ice_cream_sandwich_launch_delayed.html
http://blogs.computerworld.com/19062/googles_ice_cream_sandwich_nexus_event_postponed
Google and Samsung mysteriously pulled the plug Friday on the expected release of a new version of the Android operating system code named Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS).
HTC posts record profit, buoyed by sales of Android devices http://www.geekwire.com/2011/htc-posts-record-profit-strength-android
Analysts tell The Wall Street Journal that HTC could gain even more market share in the smartphone market given the specifications and price point of the new iPhone 4S, which disappointed some consumers who were expecting a new hardware design.
HP Claims Someone Snuck Android Onto Its TouchPads, Opens Investigation http://www.dailytech.com/HP+Claims+Someone+Snuck+Android+Onto+Its+TouchPads+Opens+Investigation/article22944.htm
But rather than leaving it at that, he goes on to say that HP is launching an investigation into how Android made its way onto those tablets. He writes, "We presently believe that some person or persons unknown may have facilitated the delivery of these Android-based units strictly against the policy and authorization of HP. "
***** Snippets
A kernel.org status update http://lwn.net/Articles/460376/
CAINE 2.5 – SUPERNOVA is out! http://linux-news.org/index.php/2011/09/21/caine-2-5-supernova-is-out/
Mozilla Proposes Half-Hearted Extended Release Cycle for Enterprises http://www.readwriteweb.com/hack/2011/09/mozilla-proposes-half-hearted.php
Database Journal: Open Source Databases http://www.databasejournal.com/features/mysql/buying-guide-open-source-databases.html
Mozilla Improves Memory Usage with Firefox 7 http://www.datamation.com/open-source/mozilla-improves-memory-usage-with-firefox-7.html
CentOS goes continuous http://www.internetnews.com/blog/skerner/centos-goes-continuous.html
[ANNOUNCE] PulseAudio 1.0 http://article.gmane.org/gmane.comp.audio.pulseaudio.general/11181
Happy Birthday LibreOffice http://www.internetnews.com/blog/skerner/happy-birthday-libreoffice.html
Facebook's Flashcache For The Linux Kernel http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?px=OTk0MA&page=news_item
Firefox 7 update for 10 flaws - SSL BEAST not among them. http://www.esecurityplanet.com/browser-security/firefox-7-updates-for-security-not-ssl-.html
GNOME 3.2 Released http://library.gnome.org/misc/release-notes/3.2/
Linux 3.1 rc8 http://article.gmane.org/gmane.linux.kernel/1196077
Should You Donate To Open Source Projects? http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/simon-says/2011/09/should-you-donate-to-open-source-projects/index.htm
Open source roars on OS X Lion http://www.itworld.com/open-source/206047/open-source-roars-os-x-lion
Interview: Andy Spencer, developer of Aweather a meteorological data viewer http://www.floss4science.com/interview-aweather/
Software patents – a protection racket? http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/opinion/software-patents-a-protection-racket/
Missing the Point: Android, Linux, and a Standard Ecosystem http://techthirst.com/?p=489
Kernel.org is Back! http://www.internetnews.com/blog/skerner/kernel-org-is-back.html
Announcing the release of Fedora 16 Beta!! http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/announce/2011-October/003001.html
JavaOne 2011 Day 1 http://weblogs.java.net/blog/cayhorstmann/archive/2011/10/04/javaone-2011-day-1
Linux 3.1 rc9 http://article.gmane.org/gmane.linux.kernel/1199406
Fedora 16: Linux home for lost Ubuntu GNOMEs http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/10/04/fedora_16_beta_review/
What is Arduino? Learn About This Open-Source Electronics Platform http://www.howtogeek.com/65963/what-is-arduino/
Oracle Updates Linux, Sticks with Intel and Promises Solaris http://www.datamation.com/storage/oracle-updates-linux-sticks-with-intel-and-promises-solaris.html
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/73454.html
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.2 Beta is out now http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/red-hat-enterprise-linux-62-beta-is-out-now/9686
P is for… - AKA - Mark Shuttleworth names Ubuntu 12.04 http://www.markshuttleworth.com/archives/784
Java 8 Delayed Until 2013 As Java EE and ME Push Forward http://www.developer.com/java/java-8-delayed-until-2013.html
The Apache Software Foundation Announces Apache TomEE Certified as Java EE 6 Web Profile Compatible http://www.linuxtoday.com/developer/2011100700241NWSW
Open Source: Niche Markets, Linux and Microsoft http://blog.eracc.com/2011/10/03/open-source-niche-markets-linux-and-microsoft/
Steve Jobs: an open source pioneer? You bet http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/steve-jobs-an-open-source-pioneer-you-bet/9700
Ubuntu Powers HP's Public Cloud http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ubuntu-Powers-HP-s-Public-Cloud-226142.shtml
Why free software really isn't (and shouldn't be) free http://linuxblog.darkduck.com/2011/10/why-free-software-really-isnt-and.html
OLPC XO-1.75 Laptop Preview http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=olpc_xo_175&num=1
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