Open Sources | Rodrigues & Urlocker » OIN speaks out on the Novell/Microsoft pact

November 21, 2006 | Comments: (0)

OIN speaks out on the Novell/Microsoft pact

TAGS: Open Source

For those who have forgotten, IBM, Novell (yes, the same Novell), Philips, Red Hat, Sony and NEC started the Open Invention Network in 2005 to pool patents to protect Linux and open source software. Since that time, OIN has purchased 100 patents with the purpose of making Faustian pacts like the Microsoft/Novell deal unnecessary.

Today, the OIN responded to the Microsoft/Novell deal as follows:

"We at OIN believe that the openness and collaborative culture of the Linux community is an engine for innovation. It is clear that there is significant value in Linux community members' intellectual property and patents....

"Unfortunately, embedded in Microsoft's recent endorsement of Linux are claims regarding customers' needing protection from patent attack. Those claims are baseless. In fact, there have been no patent suits against Linux. While patent disputes are not unheard of between and among software developers and distributors, they are almost always resolved between these commercial entities -- not by dragging in end-user customers. Isn't the real issue the fact that Microsoft is making such a threat against its own customers?

"OIN continues to support the Linux community's ability to collaborate and innovate. Through the accumulation of patents that may be used to shield the Linux environment, including users of Linux software, OIN has obviated the need for offers of protection from others.

"In less than a year, OIN has accumulated more than 100 strategic, worldwide patents and patent applications that span Web / Internet, e-commerce, mobile and communications technologies. These patents are available to all as part of the patent commons that OIN is creating around, and in support of Linux. We stand ready to leverage our IP portfolio to maintain the open patent environment OIN has helped create."

Was Novell just hedging its bets with OIN? Or with Microsoft? Doesn't the one (OIN) largely obviate the "need" for the latter?

The Microsoft/Novell deal seems like much ado about nothing. I've yet to hear customers ask about it (including when I was in the Linux Business Office at Novell), and I'm still waiting to see a lawsuit against Linux.

Posted by Matt Asay on November 21, 2006 01:16 PM

RATE THIS ARTICLE: