In a direct challenge to the core of the open source movement, the SCO Group has challenged the code of Linux 2.4 and 2.5 kernels as being built on proprietary Unix System V code. But instead of filing a lawsuit just yet, the SCO Group is offering an opportunity to Linux users to avoid being brought to court: admit your wrong-doing and pony-up just $700 to make good. That offer is only good until Oct. 14th though, and goes up to $1400 thereafter. RedHat has filed a suit for declaratory judgement on behalf of their own business and Linux users generally, and they’ve set up a fund for that purpose. Read the full story from Internet Week.
In my opinion this is the worst possible form of IP blackmail. If SCO Group’s got merit to the claim, let the court sort it out. If they win, they can charge whatever they want, and the open source community will just come up with alternative code. But charging before they’ve convinced a court that they actually own the code, and making it a “pay less now on the off-chance we’re right” system is blackmail. We’re lucky that someone like RedHat has found a way to make money out of Linux, since otherwise they wouldn’t be able to put up the cash for this lawsuit. Three cheers for RedHat for operating in such a fair and balanced manner!