Sun: Patent use OK beyond Solaris project

Sun Microsystems has begun fending off concerns that there are severe limits on how programmers may use 1,600 patents it's unfettering in conjunction with its open-source Solaris plan.

The company said last week that it would permit open-source programmers to use the patents when working on the OpenSolaris project. What several influential observers found unclear is whether programmers in other areas--most notably in Solaris competitor Linux--would have to fear legal action from Sun.

The server and software company clarified its position somewhat on Monday. "Clearly we have no intention of suing open-source developers," said Tom Goguen, head of Solaris marketing. However, he added, "We haven't put together a fancy pledge on our Web site" to that effect.

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(via CNET)