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

Steven Rostedt
2009-04-27T14:52:29Z

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