Microsoft Offers its Patent Portfolio
The company ends its long war; vows to protect Linux.
In a surprise and historical move Microsoft has released its entire patent portfolio to Open Innovation Network (OIN) by joining the organization. Microsoft has released all 60,000 patents to OIN.
“We bring a valuable and deep portfolio of over 60,000 issued patents to OIN for the benefit of Linux and other open source technologies,” said Erich Andersen Corporate Vice President, Deputy General Counsel.
These patents also include those 235 patents that Microsoft once claimed were infringed upon by the Linux kernel. Linus Torvalds had dismissed those claims stating, “Microsoft just made up the number.”
It’s a major u-turn for Microsoft, which has a history of exploiting patents as a weapon against Linux players. This move brings an end to the long hostility between Linux and Microsoft.
There are more than 2,650 members, including numerous Fortune 500 enterprises, that make OIN the largest patent non-aggression community.
OIN has created a massive pool of patents affecting Linux and open source projects. The organization offers these patents on a royalty-free basis to member organizations. Companies not yet member of OIN can also tap into its pool of patents if they promise not to assert its patents against the Linux system.
Back in 2005, OIN was created by a group of companies with vested interests in open source. The goal was to fend off any patent attacks on open source companies. Founding members included IBM, NEC, SUSE/Novell, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony.
Microsoft has around 90,000 patents, but over 30,000 as still pending with the US Patent Office. Once those patents are approved, they will also become part of OIN pool.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.