************************************ Subject: re: apcupsd (Linux etc.) Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 17:07:13 -0400 From: EKaufman@apcc.com To: redhat-list@redhat.com Dear valued Linux customers, APC recognizes the large size and growth of the Linux market and the importance of supporting Linux users. With this in mind, APC has never threatened legal action against any third party Linux software developers. It is not our policy to comment on products under development, however APC is very interested in providing UPS management software for Linux users. In the interim, please let us know how we can help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please send them to apcinfo@apcc.com. Sincerely, Eric Kaufman APC software product manager ************************************ http://www.apcc.com/english/about/finan/10K10Q/123193K.HTM Intellectual Property Although the Company believes that its processes and equipment are proprietary, the Company has not sought patent protection for its technology. There can be no assurance that the Company's processes and equipment provide it with a competitive advantage or that others will not independently develop equivalent or superior products or technology. In not seeking patent protection, the Company has instead relied on the complexity of its technology, trade secrecy laws and employee confidentiality agreements. One reason for not seeking patent protection is to avoid the public disclosure of information required for patent protection. The risk of not seeking patent protection is that other companies may acquire information or technology which the Company considers to be proprietary in design and manufacturing. The Company believes that companies in its industry do not primarily rely on patents to protect their proprietary rights. This belief is based upon certain advertising and product literature that has come to the Company's attention. This does not imply that the Company or any of its competitors will not seek patent protection as future technology evolves. ************************************