OIN: 20 Years Defending Open Source From Patent Trolls
2025-04-29
In the mid-2000s, Linux faced existential threats from patent litigation. To combat this, industry giants like IBM, Novell, and Red Hat formed the Open Invention Network (OIN). Through a royalty-free cross-license agreement, OIN created a powerful defense against patent trolls targeting Linux and other open-source technologies. Over 20 years, OIN has grown to over 4,000 members, holding millions of patents and actively neutralizing patent threats. Microsoft's contribution of its vast patent portfolio further solidified OIN's strength. Today, OIN's protection extends to Android, Kubernetes, and beyond, safeguarding open source in crucial sectors like AI and automotive.
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