Highlights

  • While Linux and other Linux-related software are already guarding themselves against the patent aggression by rival companies, Amazon and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have also joined the list.
  • This new step is evidence on how Amazon is committed to patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent Open-source Technologies.

Companies, small or big are distressed due to patent trolls. No surprise here, some of such companies have joined the Open Invention Network (OIN) – the world’s largest patent non-aggression consortium. AWS and Amazon are the leading names in that list!

OIN owns long-protected Linux and Linux-related software from patent aggression by competitors. With the recent jump in patent troll attacks, OIN is defending the companies from these assaults.

Amazon has a strict policy against patent infringement, and users who engaged in such kind of behavior have their listings removed or accounts deleted. Amazon also relies on Linux and Open-source Software for its retail and cloud businesses. In the past, Amazon has also been sued for patent violations just like other companies. Therefore, it is a smart move by Amazon to join the Open Invention Network (OIN).

What The Experts’ Say

As Keith Bergelt, OIN’s CEO, explained, “Linux and other open source projects have become the foundation for innovations occurring across a spectrum of industries that include retail and e-commerce, cloud computing and entertainment. We are pleased that Amazon is committed to patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open-source technologies.”

Nithya Ruff, the Amazon Open Source Program Office Director added, “Linux and open source are essential to many of our customers and a key driver of innovation across Amazon. We are proud to support a broad range of open-source projects, foundations, and partners, and we are committed to the long-term success and sustainability of open source as a whole. By joining OIN, we are continuing to strengthen open source communities and helping to ensure technologies like Linux remain thriving and accessible to everyone.”

Bottom line

The OIN community practices patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open-source technologies by cross licensing Linux System to each another on a royalty free basis. The OIN patents are also given on a royalty-free basis, to companies that agree not to assert their patents versus the Linux System. Any company can join OIN that is ready to provide a robust backing to that OIN’s open patents. There is a online membership form for joining and also, an OIN license agreement.