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Open-Source Group Secures Linux-Related Patents
By: Doug Caverly
Staff Writer
2009-09-16
Thanks to the Open Invention Network and one other party, there are now at least 22 fewer potential lawsuits against members of the open source community lurking around out there. OIN bought 22 patents that used to be owned by Microsoft, and will make them available for free to companies that won't take action against the Linux System.
When Microsoft put the patents up for sale not too long ago, there was a concern that one or more patent trolls would step in and snatch them. Delaware-based Allied Security Trust did the open source community a favor by buying them, instead.
It's from there that the patents passed on to OIN. Keith Bergelt, OIN's CEO, stated afterward, "We are pleased to have purchased these patents and view this as a model of successful collaboration among defensive patent organizations that share a common goal of creating freedom of action for practicing entities across Linux and the broader technology sector."
He then continued, "The prospect of these patents being placed in the hands of non-practicing entities was a threat that has been averted with these purchases . . ."
Admittedly, there are a lot more patents in existence that may threaten Linux and the open source community, and many of them are still owned by Microsoft. Every step towards safety is an important one, though.
About the Author:
Doug is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest eBusiness news.
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