OIN allows members full
access to its collection of over 100 patents, but in return
companies must agree not to take patent infringement action against
Linux developers. The scheme was conceived as a way to help open
source developers to avoid patent infringement lawsuits.
Founded by IBM, Novell, Sony, and Redhat in 2005, the OIN
provides a mechanism by which companies developing open source
software can increase the protection offered to them.
With members such as Oracle, NEC and Phillips, membership of the
organisation now guarantees immunity from patent suits from a wide
range of patent holding companies, since all members must allow
other members to use their technology on a royalty-free basis.
"For us, today’s announcement marks the latest development in a
long, fruitful relationship with the open source community," said
Chris DiBona, open source programmes manager at Google on the
official Google blog.
"We believe Linux innovation moves fastest when developers can
share their knowledge with full peace of mind. We’re proud to
participate in an organization that’s making that possible," said
DiBona.
“As we look to grow the Linux Ecosystem, we are pleased to have
Google become our first end-user licensee,” said Jerry Rosenthal,
chief executive officer of OIN. “Google is one of a growing number
of companies, of all sizes, that value the openness and
collaborative culture of the Linux community. We applaud their
support for Linux."
OIN is a company that now owns over 100 patents, ensuring their
availability, it said.
