In reply to JeffC.

JeffC

What principle that the GPL stands for does this go against?

Carl:
The GPL is not in support of just any old freedom whatsoever, just the freedom to have access, and control over, software.

The freedom to sue people over software patents most emphatically is *NOT* something this is part of the principles the GPL standards for. The GPL stands against patents, and their use, in any form.