Despite the fact Novell has just recently entered into a huge partnership with Microsoft, Novell is disagreeing on a key point of theirs stating that Linux users are violating Microsoft patents. Novell has come out to reassure those using Linux that they are not violating patents owned by Microsoft, even though some of the terms of their deal outlined patent lawsuit protection. Seeking to stem apparent dissension between the companies, Microsoft has released a public statement saying that the two IT giants will "agree to disagree".
Microsoft's statements (in particular, Steve Ballmer's statements) caused an uproar in the Linux community last week, and many are now calling for Microsoft to back up their claims of patent infringement. How much case can your water hold when even your newest business partner thinks you are full of it?