The Free Software Foundation might be
gearing up to sue Microsoft to prevent it from declaring itself exempt from the
requirements of GPLv3.
The FSF said that Microsoft claims
regarding its obligations under the GPLv3 were incorrect.
When the GPLv3 was drafted the FSF wrote
a clause which says that if any user receives a discriminatory patent promise
from Microsoft when they buy a GPLv3 program Vole would be bound by GPLv3 to
extend that same promise of safety to all downstream users of that
software.
However if Microsoft distributes FSF
works licensed under GPLv3, or pays others to distribute them on its behalf, it
is bound by the terms of that licence. The FSF said that it will ensure, to the
extent of its resources, to help GPLv3 licensors complies with its
licenses.
The full statement can be found here.