Ubuntu’s parent company Canonical have become the first member to sign up to the ‘Open Invention Network’s new associate membership program.
The Open Invention Network exists to acquire patents and license them royalty free to entities which, in turn, ‘agree not to assert their own patents against Linux or Linux-related applications’. Current well-known companies involved with the OIN include Sony, IBM and Novell.
Canonical was previously a licensee with OIN.
The Associate Member program aims to “further strengthen the Linux community and empower open source leaders to ensure ongoing freedom of action for Linux as it relates to intellectual property (IP) rights.” OIN state in their press release.
“OIN Associate Members, such as Canonical, demonstrate support and commitment to limiting the effects of patent disputes in Linux. Canonical’s activities and those of all companies seeking to adopt and use Linux will be facilitated as OIN works closely with Canonical and other companies that are supporting Linux’s growth and expansion.”
This is great news. The OIN hold a broad portfolio of patents and Canonical’s membership will ensure it is in prime position to provide the best experience and services not to only its’ own desktop users but Linux users as a whole.
“We view Open Invention Network as one of the key methods through which open source leaders and innovators can deter patent aggression" Canonical CEO Jane Silber says of the membership.
“We are committed to freedom of action in open source, and have noted OIN’s efforts to actively defend and enable the Linux ecosystem. By becoming an OIN Associate Member, we are supporting the broad OIN mission and its commitment to enable and protect Linux’s advancement."
Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention, sums up Canonical’s membership aa"Canonical.. ..once again demonstrating its leadership and commitment to Linux".
With Canonical, one of the most powerful associates any open source network can have, this association will only help strengthen the position of the Open Source community in continuing to innovate free from fear of litigation.
Via | GrokLaw