[hexagonc]

But what difference would his personal beliefs on software patents make toward his credibility in this matter? Whether the patents are valid or not is a matter of fact, as it would have to be in order for the patent and trade office to issue the patents in the first place. What are you supposed to conclude by knowing that TBL is against software patents? That he's lying about what happened at CERN and Pei Wei's browser? This looked like a smear campaign and I'm surprised the defendant's lawyers didn't object to it (maybe they did but I didn't read it in the article).

On an unrelated note, scientists often don't do well in debate type situations like a courtroom because scientists are often more concerned about truth then winning an argument. Thus, they'll often concede a small point from the opposing argument that is trumped up as a major victory by the opposition. The point may have little impact toward the truth of the matter but is perceived as important by an ignorant audience because the opposition is touting it as such.