The search engine giant, Google has expanded its support for Linux by becoming Open Invention Network’s first end-user licensee. Google has joined the growing list of companies to enhance the OIN to share Linux based intellectual property.
OIN was formed in 2005 to focus on acquiring and pooling patents to protect Linux against patent infringement attacks. OIN is hoping that once Google becoming a licensee will enable many other end-user organizations to follow its lead.
OIN makes the patent royalty-free to companies and individuals, when they are agree not to assert their patents against Linux operating system. Google has become the seventh company to join OIN and brings an undisclosed amount of patents to add to OIn’s current companies of over 100 Linux related patents. Other financial backers include IBM Corp., NEC Corp., Novell Inc., Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV, Red Hat Inc. and Sony Corp.
According to CEO of OIN, Jerry Rosenthal, Linux has given its power and flexibility to serve millions of users around the world. OIN is hoping that Linux innovation will move fast, when developers are able to share their knowledge with full peace of mind.
Image Credit: LWN
Via: Wired Blog
