Quick Mention: Linux Has Many Patents, Too
- Dr. Roy Schestowitz
- 2007-11-02 08:43:50 UTC
- Modified: 2007-11-02 08:45:58 UTC
A new article explores the arsenal of
patents Linux has collected -- patents which can be used defensively.
The Linux world has been all atwitter since Acacia Technologies Group filed a lawsuit against Red Hat and Novell alleging that their versions of Linux infringe on three patents. Just how big is the risk to Linux from patent lawsuits? One indication may come from a look at current US patent publications related to or mentioning Linux.
One must not forget the joint force of OIN, which pretty much renders a lot of the current patent system moot. OIN potentially serves as a way of mocking and taking apart the teeth and claws of that tiger called USPTO.
Related and older articles:
A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to talk to OIN's CEO, Jerry Rosenthal, who was with IBM for 37 years before setting up OIN. His comments about patent trolls – companies whose business is based purely around suing others for alleged patent infringement, rather than on making and selling things – and how to deal with them, are particularly interesting in the light of what has happened since the interview took place.
Open Invention Network (OIN), a US firm funded by six companies including IBM and Red Hat, is exploring possibilities in India to spur innovation and protect the Linux systems widely seen as a slow but certain challenge to Microsoft's propriet ary Windows operating system.
Linux is a free operating system and is gaining popularity with computer makers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
