Microsoft filed suit against TomTom today, alleging that the in-car navigation company's devices violate eight of its patents -- including three that relate to TomTom's implementation of the Linux kernel.
It's believed to be the first time Microsoft has filed a patent suit over Linux, after claiming for years that elements of the open-source operating system violate its patents. However, Microsoft says open-source software is not the intended focal point of the action. Five of the alleged patent violations relate to proprietary software.
Microsoft says it filed the case as a last resort, after trying for more than a year to reach an agreement with TomTom. We've requested comment from TomTom, and we'll update this post with the company's response."
News source: TechFlash
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