[openib-general] PathScale license

[Ronald G. Minnich]

> Hi,
>
> The PathScale OpenIB license includes the following which
> is beyond the normal OpenIB license:
>
>  * Patent licenses, if any, provided herein do not apply to
>  * combinations of this program with other software, or any other
>  * product whatsoever.

??? What the heck could this mean? This kind of comment, lacking any real
explanation, can cause trouble for a vendor -- it causes worries for
customers. Customer worries can lead to customers looking to other
vendors. I had hoped we had gotten past this 'one wrong move and I kill
myself' aspect of the IB vendor community.

I think I'd like to see PathScale comments on this as well. Over the last
few years, the PathScale position on IP has led to confusion among
potential customers, including me, which has led to a concern about the
consequences of buying the PathScale HCAs -- and from there, a decision
not to buy them.

I'm getting set to buy some of these interfaces but could still be scared
off by this type of IP confusion -- please help us understand what these
means. IANAL, so keep it simple :-)

Can I hear from a lawyer if I buy PathScale HCAs, run PathScale software,
and then do something to it that involves a patent I've never heard of?

ron