The only issue outstanding is why it took the car giant so long
confirm it was not violating a licence agreement for the UNIX
operating system.
Over the last year, SCO has claimed intellectual property rights
to parts of UNIX and Linux. At first, it focused on suing IBM,
accusing Big Blue of letting parts of UNIX 'slip' into the Linux
operating system in breach of SCO's rights. Then SCO looked to end
users, suing both AutoZone and DaimlerChrysler for damages and an
injunction against their use of what SCO said was its source
code.
SCO alleged that DaimlerChrysler, a UNIX user, had failed to
certify that it was using the software in compliance with its
licence agreement. At one time, DaimlerChrysler had obtained a
licence from AT&T, the company from which SCO claims its UNIX
rights are derived.
But yesterday the case ground to a halt when Judge Rae Lee
Chabot largely granted a motion by DaimlerChrysler that the suit be
dismissed because the car manufacturer had indeed certified
compliance, albeit outwith the required 30 days.
The argument of DaimlerChrysler was simple: it no longer uses
the software in question and further, it has not done so in the
last seven years.
According to CNET News.com, SCO spokesman Blake Stowell
confirmed that the case was pretty much over.
"We're satisfied that DaimlerChrysler did finally certify their
compliance with the software agreement, but we are still interested
in gaining some information on why they didn't certify within the
allotted time," he said.
DaimlerChrysler said, "We are pleased with the judge's ruling,
and we look forward to finally resolving the one open issue,"
reports CNET News.
