Google Joins The Open Invention Network As A Full Member
Open Invention Network (OIN), the organization formed to promote Linux by creating a collaborative environment, announced today that Google has joined IBM, NEC, Novell, Philips, Red Hat and Sony as a Member of OIN.
In 2007, Google became OINs first end-user licensee. More recently, Google has stood out through its participation as an Associate Member in the OIN community.
"Linux is one of the most innovative platforms ever invented. It has helped to spark unprecedented levels of mobile, networking, and computing capabilities while dramatically lowering costs," said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. "For many years, Google has recognized the value and power of Linux. By advancing its relationship with OIN from Associate Member to Full Member, Google is once again demonstrating its leadership and commitment to Linux and open source. We are pleased to welcome them as a Full Member of OIN."
"Linux and open source are at the core of the software industry. Protecting open source is critical to us, our users, and to the ongoing health of the Internet," said Chris DiBona, Director of Open Source at Google. "Were proud of our new role within OIN."
OIN was formed in 2005 by IBM, Sony, and Philips, in addition to Linux distributors, Red Hat and Novell. The group was created to defend Linux from patent trolls and other attacks from patent holders. It tries to do this with its own patents which are then available royalty-free to any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against Linux.
OIN now has a strategic portfolio of over 600 patents and patent applications. Once in OIN's hands these cannot be used by patent trolls. The patents are also available to be used by OIN members in defensive lawsuits against trolls.
"Linux is one of the most innovative platforms ever invented. It has helped to spark unprecedented levels of mobile, networking, and computing capabilities while dramatically lowering costs," said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. "For many years, Google has recognized the value and power of Linux. By advancing its relationship with OIN from Associate Member to Full Member, Google is once again demonstrating its leadership and commitment to Linux and open source. We are pleased to welcome them as a Full Member of OIN."
"Linux and open source are at the core of the software industry. Protecting open source is critical to us, our users, and to the ongoing health of the Internet," said Chris DiBona, Director of Open Source at Google. "Were proud of our new role within OIN."
OIN was formed in 2005 by IBM, Sony, and Philips, in addition to Linux distributors, Red Hat and Novell. The group was created to defend Linux from patent trolls and other attacks from patent holders. It tries to do this with its own patents which are then available royalty-free to any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against Linux.
OIN now has a strategic portfolio of over 600 patents and patent applications. Once in OIN's hands these cannot be used by patent trolls. The patents are also available to be used by OIN members in defensive lawsuits against trolls.
