Group buys Microsoft patents to protect Linux
Tactic will let open source programmers code away without the threat of being sued by 'patent trolls'.

An intellectual property company has bought up 22 Linux-focused patents that used to be owned by Microsoft, to safeguard Linux against the threat of lawsuits.
The Open Invention Network (OIN) said it was particularly worried about the patents falling into the hands of "patent trolls", companies that could file lawsuits even if they had no intention of creating something from the invention.
OIN has industry backing from companies like IBM, NEC, Novell and Red Hat, and was created to ensure that patents could be openly shared among companies that wanted to spend money on Linux.
This would leave programmers and vendors free to use Linux without intellectual property issues.
"The prospect of these patents being placed in the hands of non-practising entities was a threat that has been averted with these purchases," said OIN chief executive Keith Bergelt in a statement.
OIN did not buy the patents straight from Microsoft, but from an organisation called the Allied Security Trust (AST), which was originally formed by tech companies to buy cost-effective patent licences.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?
In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
By Kate O'Flaherty Published
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25
News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
MI5 and FBI warn businesses over mass Chinese IP theft
News The security services urged organisations to consolidate security practices and approach Chinese business relationships with caution
By Rory Bathgate Published
-
IBM sues LzLabs for alleged patent infringement
News The Swiss-based company is also alleged to have swindled IBM's trade secrets to reap profits
By Praharsha Anand Published
-
Apple patents a computer inside a keyboard
News Device could enable clutter-free ultra-portability, says document
By Danny Bradbury Published
-
FTC sues to block Nvidia's Arm acquisition
News Deal for the UK-based chipmaker is now subject to an administrative trial in August 2022
By Bobby Hellard Published
-
UK universities join forces to create startup investment group
News Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield universities form 'Northern Gritstone' to fund businesses borne from academic research
By Bobby Hellard Published
-
UK watchdog says Facebook's Giphy acquisition may stifle competition
News The CMA says the deal may limit market access to a popular service
By Bobby Hellard Published
-
Trump pardons convicted ex-Google engineer Levandowski
News Driverless car expert "grateful for the opportunity to move forward" after his 18-month prison sentence is nullified
By Bobby Hellard Published
-
Ex-Uber exec accused of stealing IP secrets to found London tech startup
News Lawsuit claims former exec stole trade secrets from a US-based logistical firm
By Bobby Hellard Published