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Open Invention Network Expands Patent Protection

Thinkcloud writes "More than 700 new software packages including popular packages such as KVM, Git, OpenJDK, and WebKit will now receive royalty-free shelter under the Open Invention Network. This could make it more friction-free for organizations and developers to adopt and modify open source technology." OIN's press release has a bit more detail. They've greatly expanded their definition of the "Linux system" to cover a lot more core software with their defensive patent pool.

2 of 22 comments (clear)

  1. This is great, but... by Dorkmaster+Flek · · Score: 4, Insightful

    That's great and all, but the very existence of a "defensive patent" portfolio/company indicates to me that the system is totally broken.

    --
    I like to think of online DRM as something akin to a college -- you pay for lessons until you learn something.
    1. Re:This is great, but... by drinkypoo · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Is there anyone who doesn't know The System Is A Fraud? And yet, it seems foolish to ignore it. There's nothing hypocritical about maintaining a defensive patent portfolio and working to abolish software patents simultaneously. Now, if you were to launch a preemptive attack from that portfolio, that would be hypocritical...

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"