Established in 2005, Open Invention Network (OIN) is the world’s largest patent non-aggression community and free defensive patent pool.
We remove patent friction in core Open Source technologies, which drives higher levels of innovation. Open Source Software (OSS) distills the collective intelligence of a global community.
Mission
We enable freedom of action for Open Invention Network community members and users of Linux/OSS-based technology through our patent non-aggression, cross-license in the Linux System, which defines the commitment of all community members.
We will continue to grow our worldwide membership and the Linux System over time.
Vision
We will execute our mission by growing our community membership and engaging with companies of all types — from start-ups to Fortune 100 enterprises — across diverse industries.
We will continue updating the Linux System through a conservative, consensus-driven process to keep up with technological advances.
We will actively monitor for patent-related threats to Linux and adjacent Open Source technologies and encourage open source community Intellectual Property (IP)-related initiatives.
We will continue to promote and educate our community on complementary defensive IP strategies and support key Open Source projects.
Key Linux System Applications
Apache
Eclipse
Evolution
Fedora Directory Server
Firefox
GIMP
GNOME
KDE
Mono
Mozilla
MySQL
Nautilus
.Net
OpenLDAP
OpenOffice.org
Open-Xchange
Perl
PostgreSQL
Python
Samba
SELinux
Sendmail
Thunderbird
Governance
Our CEO, Keith Bergelt, in coordination with our Board of Directors — who are senior executives from OIN’s Funding Members — oversee the organization’s strategies, policies, decisions and activities.
Funding Members
What We Do
Provide patent protection for over 4,500 Linux System software & hardware development packages to our community members through a unique cross-licensing commitment every one of our nearly 4,000 OIN members’ sign.
The OIN community owns 3 million patents & applications. OIN community members receive free access to Linux System patents through a cross-licensing commitment whereby OIN members agree they will not sue each other in the Linux System.
We partner with IBM, the Linux Foundation, Microsoft, Meta, & Mercedes-Benz by funding the Unified Patents’ OS Zone to address the risks of Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs).
Support key Open Source projects, including Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), Hyperledger, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, LF Networking Fund, LF Energy & Open Charge Alliance.
Leverage our relationships to collect and share prior art to help OIN community members defend their inventions. We’ve assisted members with over 65 cases.
By enabling Open Source Software (OSS), we advance the collective intelligence of a global community, promoting greater diversity of thought, perspective & talent.
Protect against patent attacks & mitigate patent litigation risks for our community members, as well as protect Open Source through patent collaboration.
Provide access to an exclusive OIN Community Member insignia & feature new members throughout our website.
Share INSIDER — a bi-monthly e-Newsletter, to keep you informed about Open Source around the world.
By the Numbers
3 million+
patents and applications
Our community owns 3 million+ patents & applications in total.
$100 million
in defensive patents
Acquired in support of the OIN and open source communities
4,500+
packages
Core Linux and Open Source Software packages in the Linux System
Member Benefits
Membership publicly demonstrates Open Source & patent non-aggression advocacy
Lifetime Membership is FREE without entry barrier
Get INSIDER, OIN’s bi-monthly eNewsletter, to stay in-the-know
Patent cross license in 4,500+ Linux and core Open source technology packages
Patent peace in a community which owns 3 million+ patents & applications in total
Members become part of a global, Open Source network of 4,000 from start-ups to Fortunate 100 firms
Membership is available to ALL Open Source advocates — business & individuals
Everyone signs the same agreement terms
Holding patents in the Linux System is not required
You get the opportunity to network with our rapidly-growing community members
OIN leverages our industry relationships to collect & share prior art as needed
OIN challenges patent applications as appropriate