In 2003, after I unveiled a prototype Linux desktop called Project Looking Glass*, Steve called my office to let me know the graphical effects were “stepping all over Apple’s IP.” (IP = Intellectual Property = patents, trademarks and copyrights.) If we moved forward to commercialize it, “I’ll just sue you.”

What’s more interesting is that it appears the Apple is just the only one that is honest about it. Apple says, we will sue you, we will win, so stop. Maybe it is arrogant and uncalled for, but they shoot straight — old west style. Microsoft on the other hand seems to be more into the art of the shakedown.

Bill skipped the small talk, and went straight to the point, “Microsoft owns the office productivity market, and our patents read all over OpenOffice.” OpenOffice is a free office productivity suite found on tens of millions of desktops worldwide. It’s a tremendous brand ambassador for its owner – it also limits the appeal of Microsoft Office to businesses and those…