Nullifying the Patent Threat

Another honourable attempt at protecting Linux and Open-Source Software is the establishment of the Open Invention Network.

Looks like it goes something like, Promise to not exercise your patents against Linux or certain Linux-related applications, and you can use our patents royalty free.

It's early days (been going for less than 2 months) , and there's not much detail yet (what classifies as a certain Linux-related application?), so it's hard to judge the potential effectiveness. Nonetheless, any protection is good protection, even if it's using the tactics of the thought hoarders back at them.

tech/IP | 21 Dec 2005 | #