linux-kernel - Re: Patenting kernel patches was Re: Re-implement MCE log ring buffer as per-CPU ring buffer

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Message-ID: <alpine.DEB.2.00.0904271047360.24293@gandalf.stny.rr.com>
Date:	Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:49:51 -0400 (EDT)
From:	Steven Rostedt <rostedt@...dmis.org>
To:	Andi Kleen <ak@...ux.intel.com>
cc:	Huang Ying <ying.huang@...el.com>,
	Robert Richter <robert.richter@....com>,
	Ingo Molnar <mingo@...e.hu>, "H. Peter Anvin" <hpa@...or.com>,
	Thomas Gleixner <tglx@...utronix.de>,
	"linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org" <linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>,
	Hidetoshi Seto <seto.hidetoshi@...fujitsu.com>
Subject: Re: Patenting kernel patches was Re: Re-implement MCE log ring buffer
 as per-CPU ring buffer


On Mon, 27 Apr 2009, Andi Kleen wrote:
> > Yes, I plan on being able to post it before the 31 merge window opens. I'll
> > ping the lawyer to expedite the process.
> 
> Sorry, but this is quite ridiculous. Are you serious?

Yes.

> 
> Why would we want such a patented algorithm in the kernel? Normally the
> standard
> policy is to avoid patented algorithms (unless there's really no alternative
> like
> with RCU which is clearly not the case here) and I'm not aware of this policy
> haven't
> changed.
> 
> And also holding up perfectly good uncontaminated patches for something
> patented seems especially wrong.
> 
> I think we should move forward with a standard non patented ring
> buffer Ying was working on for this and avoid the patent mess as
> far as possible.

In the world where patents can destroy Open Source/Free Software, one of 
the protections that Free Software can do is to file their own patents. 
Thus fight fire with fire.

> 
> -Andi (who wonders if he isn't in bizarro land now)

Welcome to bizarro land!

-- Steve

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