SCO and IBM revive Unix patent dispute
updated 04:50 pm EST, Fri February 17, 2012
IBM, SCO scheduled to go back to courts over Unix
The long-running but stalled legal battle between Unix vendor SCO and IBM has been reactivated in Utah courts, Groklaw revealed. The proceedings were interrupted when SCO entered bankruptcy court. SCO sued IBM, among others, for using Unix code and integrating it into Linux, though it doesn't own Unix copyrights, as ruled in a different case between Novell and SCO.
The reactivation of the case is thus seen as one of closure, especially for IBM, which likely only seeks to clear its name. Its counterclaims against SCO are likely to be resolved in court, including claims of breach of contract, violation of the Lanham Act, engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices, and violating the GNU General Public License. It seeks a judgement stating IBM's AIX platform doesn't infringe on SCO's copyrights.
A hearing is scheduled for April 23.
