“The implication here is really that there is a huge number of Linux users who will be required to pay royalties if this patent holder knocks on their doors in the US. This is definitely a major impediment to the growth of Linux and makes companies, including Google, that rely on open source code particularly vulnerable to patent threats.”

That is also the view of other industry watchers who expect a flood of lawsuits against companies who rely on open source code.

“Those looking to cash in on buried patents need only spend time poring over code and looking for infringements,” said Christopher Dawson of technology blog ZDNet.

via BBC News – Google fined $5m over Linux patent row.

So a bunch of bass-ackwards idjits in East Teast just handed IP lawyers their biggest payday in a generation.     Trust lawyers to end the joy and love that is Free Software.