Re: patent on O_ATOMICLOOKUP [Re: [PATCH] loopable tmpfs (2.4.17)]

Albert D. Cahalan
2002-05-25T21:23:01Z

Linus Torvalds writes:

> - Yes, if you go the RTLinux way, you either need to make your RT
> kernel modules GPL'd, or you need to pay FSMlabs. Since I would
> strongly suggest you make kernel modules GPL'd anyway, this just
> isn't an issue. The fact that FSMlabs can get people to pay for
> their patent is just another "tax on stupidity".

I think you misunderstand, but maybe I do...

To get a free patent license, EVERYTHING must be GPL.
Not just the real-time part! So that would be:

1. the RT microkernel (OK)
2. the RT "app" (OK)
3. Linux itself (OK)
4. normal Linux apps (ouch!)