Microsoft would like you to believe there is, and either not use the Linux kernel (instead use something like BSD, which they can take from freely without ever giving back) or pay them royalties.

They claim to hold patents on the kernel and have used this to squeeze royalties out of companies but never say what they might be, because the moment the kernel community knew they would either remove them from the kernel or would dig up prior art and move to have them voided. Other times they hold patents on ridiculous crap (VFAT long file names) or use patents to their monopolistic advantage (exFAT.)

Which is exactly what Microsoft wants.

Just don't forget: Microsoft hates it when you don't choose them, so they'll work to remove all other choices. And then they'll say you chose them.


(No, I don't like Microsoft.)