Microsoft Sues TomTom Over Apparent Patent Infringement

Microsoft, who previously had stated that Linux and related open-source programs violate more than 200 of its patents, is suing GPS maker TomTom. Horacio Gutierrez, Microsoft corporate vice president and deputy general counsel for intellectual property, claims TomTom is violating use of eight of their patents, three of which relate to TomTom's implementation of the Linux kernel. Although Gutierrez said no as to whether this was the start of a broader legal campaign against open-source, The Linux Foundation and their members are prepared to handle any claims against Linux. Meanwhile, review of some of the patents in question demonstrate they are vague enough to apply to any vehicle GPS system with a level of complexity requiring an operating system.