Linux Defenders organize to fight patent trolls

Linux group tries to head off abuse of patents Security Strategies Alert NetworkWorld.com | Security Research Center | Update Your Profile Sponsored by Infoblox Take Control of Network TCO by Automating IPAM Growing networks are in a vicious circle of rising costs, increasing downtime, and rising staff stress. Join Enterprise Strategy Group's Jon Oltsik, for this information-packed webinar on how enterprises can reduce stress and operational expenses by automating IPAM, listen today. Spotlight Story Linux Defenders organize to fight patent trolls By M. E. Kabay Are you tired of hearing of patents granted for obvious innovations? Are you weary of hearing about old patents that are purchased by so-called "patent trolls"? If you think that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office desperately needs help to clean the earwax out of its cerebral sulci, there's an excellent example from the world of Linux that would bear watching and emulating in other fields. Read full story M. E. Kabay, PhD, CISSP-ISSMP, specializes in security and operations management consulting services. CV online. Related News: Glimpse into patent law Patent law is being used to make companies pay license fees for commonly used e-commerce techniques, so I'd like to present a brief, nontechnical overview of patent law in the U.S. PanIP has rights In a previous article, I mentioned that patents could be used to generate revenue. PanIP holds patents that cover methods of using information transmission and retrieval systems applicable to e-commerce. PanIP exercises its rights In the previous article, I introduced the California-based firm PanIP, which owns many patents covering fundamental applications of information technology for e-commerce. Overly broad e-commerce patents In previous articles, I talked about small companies that are being sued or threatened with lawsuits on the basis of broad patents covering what is today known as e-commerce. In this column, I discuss the implications of such threatened lawsuits and why there should be a broad movement of resistance to overly broad patents. How does Cisco IronPort prevent directory harvest attacks? Tom Topping, director of federal operations for Cisco IronPort gives his take on how IronPort prevents directory harvest attacks. IPv6 capabilities in Cisco’s IPS software version 6.2 Cisco Subnet blogger Scott Hogg assesses Cisco's support for IPv6 in the newest version of Cisco's Intrusion Prevention System. VoIP security: Share your concerns? Introducing new Cisco Subnet blogger and VoIP security author Patrick Park. Tell him your VoIP concerns. 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Register for this live webcast now.   02/03/09 Today's most-read stories: Wi-Fi hot spot horrors NFL's IT chief gears up for his 25th Super Bowl Windows 7 will not sway XP users Top 10 worst uses for Windows Human error caused Google search bug Ex-Fannie Mae employee accused of planting computer time bomb Satyam claims 15 contracts signed in January Wi-Fi vs. prepaid 3G data dongles Verizon clips VoiceWing, releases wireline VoIP service Don't fear the penguin: A newbie's guide to Linux Product Guides Get side-by-side product comparisons, buying tips, market trend information, case studies and more with Network World's Patch Management Product Guide. Visit now Compare products, get advice, and check out tests and reviews from the experts at Network World. Over 70 categories. Visit now   This email was sent to security.world@gmail.com Complimentary Subscriptions Available for newsletter subscribers. 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