Microsoft today announced it is joining the Open Invention Network (OIN), a community of companies whose aim is to shield Linux and other open source software from patent aggressors. By joining OIN, Microsoft will open up more than 60,000 of its patents for royalty-free cross-licensing with other members.
"We know Microsoft's decision to join OIN may be viewed as surprising to some; it is no secret that there has been friction in the past between Microsoft and the open source community over the issue of patents," Microsoft Corporate Vice President Erich Andersen said. "For others who have followed our evolution, we hope this announcement will be viewed as the next logical step for a company that is listening to customers and developers and is firmly committed to Linux and other open source programs."
OIN was originally founded in 2005 as an effort to protect Linux and its users from patent aggression. Today, OIN sports more than 2,650 community members and is funded by corporate juggernauts like Google, IBM, and Toyota.
Microsoft's decision to join OIN is the latest in its relatively recent efforts to embrace the open source community. This is also the second major patent-related move for Microsoft in as many weeks. Last week, the company joined the LOT Network in another effort to protect against patent trolls through a royalty-free patent licensing with the network's nearly 300 members, including Amazon, Google, Facebook, and others.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Update 6: Microsoft wants all of TikTok, but Trump's order may interfere
The Financial Times reports that as part of negotiations, Microsoft is now inquiring whether it can buy all of TikTok, instead of just the business in the US., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This new plan would include India and Europe (and excluding China).
This is the best Windows 10 tablet you can buy right now
There are many Windows 10 tablets on the market, but it's hard to sort through the rubbish. Here's our picks for the best Windows 10 tablets you can buy right now. At the top of our list is the Surface Pro X, which we think is the best due to its ARM processor, large display, and thin form factor while still packing good battery life and excellent performance.
Here are tech media's hot takes on Surface Duo
Reactions to the Surface Duo after its launch earlier this week ranged from disappointed to elated. Among the media, in particular, there was a surprising amount of enthusiasm for Microsoft's dual-screen device. Here's a look at some of the chatter from around the web.
These are the best gaming laptops for playing PUBG
You have a lot of options when it comes to gaming laptops for playing PUBG. Luckily, this game can run on a lot of different machines. Here are our picks for the best laptops for PUBG.