Facebook, HP join group fending off Linux patent lawsuits
updated 03:15 pm EDT, Wed April 20, 2011
OIN gets Facebook, HP, more new members
The Open Invention Network (OIN) that protects Linux-using members from potential lawsuits and requests for royalties, such as Microsoft's back in 2007, just gained a few high-profile members. The newcomers include Facebook, HP, Fujitsu and tens of other organizations. OIN has developed more than 2,000 licenses that aim to fend off the intellectual property complaints in courts.
The patent group added 74 licensees during the first quarter of the year, with its total now set at 334. At the same time, Google has moved up from licensee status to the second-highest associate membership status.
While Microsoft hasn't acted on its claims that Linux and open source software allegedly violate 235 of its patents, OIN CEO Keith Bergelt believes they are a potential threat and could "become more lawsuit-happy" if Windows desktop market share ever erodes.
"It's really just anybody who supports proprietary platforms and has a large [patent] portfolio that it likes to continue to use to be able to discourage choice," said Bergelt.
The goal of OIN, Bergelt explained, is to create an open environment wherein people can innovate without being subjected to frivolous claims.
Members of the Open Invention Network have access to patents owned by the OIN and put their own Linux-related patents into a cross-licensing deal. [via NetworkWorld]
