[lug] SSSCA to make all open source software illegal

[rotering at animalcules.com]

On Tue, Oct 23, 2001 at 02:21:02PM -0600, J. Wayde Allen wrote:
> On Tue, 23 Oct 2001, D. Stimits wrote:
> 
> > You should see the barage of email on the kernel dev list. But as far as
> > "unenforcable" goes, I think it would do extreme damage so fast that it
> > would still be a disaster.
> 
> I see this kind of thing all the time.  What I think is often forgotten is
> that enforcement of this sort of thing has to be done through the
> courts.  This is really where the rubber meets the road.

[Patent infringement example deleted.]

The problem with the patent analogy is the method of enforcement.
Patent infringement typically leads to a cease 'n desist letter from
the attorney of the aggrieved.  Violation of federal anti-foo
legislation typically leads to preemptive seizure of assets and, in
some cases, languishing in jail pending the filing of formal charges.

This bill needs to die.  Quickly.