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Google Partners With OIN For Linux

Posted by kdawson on from the circling-the-wagons dept.

lymeca writes "Groklaw reports that Google has become the Open Invention Network's first end-user licensee. The OIN was established by companies such as IBM, Red Hat, and somewhat ironically Novell to accumulate patents and license them royalty-free to any company promising not to leverage their own patent portfolio against key applications available on GNU/Linux, including many GNU projects as well as Linux itself. Google's support bolsters the OIN's effectiveness as a shield against patent attacks against GNU/Linux and many popular applications that run on it."

5 of 67 comments (clear)

  1. Good move but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    This OIN arrangement may be effective at bolstering defenses against patent aggression but it does nothing to defend against flying chairs!

  2. OIN Training? by greg_barton · · Score: 2, Funny

    What would they call the training arm of OIN? Open Invention Network Knowledge?

    1. Re:OIN Training? by greg_barton · · Score: 4, Funny

      Nah, I've got it...

      Open Invention Network Training: More Exciting New Technology

  3. Fun fact by Pluvius · · Score: 4, Funny

    Another name for OIN is GNU/Linux Open Invention Network (GLOIN). I've also heard rumors that the companies involved are going to create a group to endorse the increased usage of Linux on Internet servers. It'll be called the Greater Internet Mobilization of Linux Initiative (GIMLI).

    Rob

    1. Re:Fun fact by grcumb · · Score: 4, Funny

      Another name for OIN is GNU/Linux Open Invention Network (GLOIN). I've also heard rumors that the companies involved are going to create a group to endorse the increased usage of Linux on Internet servers. It'll be called the Greater Internet Mobilization of Linux Initiative (GIMLI).

      Unfortunately, they were disbanded after a legal challenge by the Seattle Microsoft Advanced Users Group (SMAUG). Cost them a mountain of gold....

      --
      Crumb's Corollary: Never bring a knife to a bun fight.