Bruce Perens [1] takes another opportunity to
broadcast his concern that "convergence of
issues that may ultimately lead to other
[legal/patent] claims being brought against
Linux and open-source software..."  based upon,
(e.g.,) "The inclusion of royalty-bearing
patents into industry standards -- for example,
a proposed modification to the TCP/IP standard
is covered by a Cisco patent..."

Before you dismiss [1] as a pointless rant,
read [2] and the source for [3]

-rcc

[1] "An open-source call to arms"
    http://news.com.com/2010-7344_3-5221365.html

[2] "Microsoft granted patent on button click timing"
http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/0603microgrant.html

[3] United States Patent 6,727,830 (April 27, 2004)
    "Time based hardware button for application launch"
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA) 

Abstract: "A method and system are provided for extending
the functionality of application buttons on a limited
resource computing device. Alternative application
functions are launched based on the length of time an
application button is pressed. A default function for an
application is launched if the button is pressed for a
short, i.e., normal, period of time. An alternative
function of the application is launched if the button
is pressed for a long, (e.g., at least one second),
period of time. Still another function can be launched
if the application button is pressed multiple times
within a short period of time, e.g., double click."

[4] "Legally Speaking: Why Reform the U.S. Patent System?"
Pamela Samuelson
CACM 47/6 (June 2004), pages 19-24
Alternate version:
http://www.sims.berkeley.edu/~pam/papers/cacm%20patent%20reform.pdf

[5] (dated, but perhaps still of interest)

"Patents and Open Standards"
http://xml.coverpages.org/patents.html

</speakingForNobody>

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