The Open Invention Network (OIN) announced the Google has signed the first OIN end-user license. As a licensee, Google will participate in OIN's royalty-free patent sharing for technologies related to the Linux ecosystem.
In the OIN press release, Google Open-Source Programs Manager Chris DiBona stated, "Linux plays a vital role at Google, and we're strongly committed to supporting the Linux developer community... We believe that by becoming an Open Invention Network licensee, we can encourage Linux development and foster innovation in a way that benefits everyone."
OIN was formed in a partnership between companies including IBM, RedHat, Sony, Novell, and others to maintain the intellectual-property rights to patents essential to the "Linux System." OIN makes over 100 patents available royalty free, and all licensees agree not to assert patent rights against Linux.
