Potential patent infringement with Lodsys?

Question

As most desktop and app developers are probably aware, the patent trolls Lodsys are aggressively targeting small/independent developers for using "their" technology, that is related to in-app purchasing.

After reading the Primer for current Windows developers, it appears to me that anyone developing metro-style apps that utilise the Windows Store (ie, all of them) will then become fodder for Lodsys.

What is Microsoft's view on this?

Answer 1

I am not sure about what MSFT's view on this topic is. This is an issue. However, if a developer does not develop, can you still call that person a developer? My point is that you have to develop. Period. Would you rather have someone else make the app and make money or you doing it and deal with it if and when the time comes? Otherwise, it feels like a kid at the playground with a schoolyard bully. You can go out and play and you may or may not meet the bully. I personally call it  a "win" if I can go out and play and have my app used my people. 

Just my thoughts.

 

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry about this. First of all, I don't see them taking all developers to court. Second, I think Microsoft is going to be the party in this, not the developers. We don't have an option and as far as I understand the patent (I am not a lawyer though...) if this patent is holding up in court Microsoft is more or less forcing us to use the store.

But... I don't see this holding up at all. I'll continue building my apps as I did before :-)

 

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Dennis Vroegop Destrato Microsoft MVP Surface Please mark an answer as "answered" if it does help you!