Lindows files to go public

Lindows Inc., the developer of Linux-based software best known for its ongoing trademark tussles with Microsoft Corp., has begun the process to become a publicly traded company.

Lindows, based in San Diego, has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering of its common stock, the company announced Tuesday. Lindows has chosen WR Hambrecht + Co. as the offering's lead manager, while Roth Capital Partners LLP will be co-manager.

The offering's proposed maximum aggregate price as stated in the S-1 filing made with the SEC is $57 million. Lindows expects to use the money it raises to continue developing products and distribution channels, expand sales and marketing activities, increase staff and repay debt obligations of about $10.4 million to company founder Michael Robertson. Robertson also serves as the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

Lindows makes Linux-based operating systems and applications. Last week, the company changed the name of its operating system from LindowsOS to Linspire as a result of a global legal assault by Microsoft that began in late 2001. Microsoft has sued Lindows over trademark infringement in several countries over the similarity of the Lindows and Windows names.

The registration statement filed with the SEC hasn't yet become effective.