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
Deliver royalty-free access to the Linux System patents of our community members through cross- licensing commitments
Leverage our relationships to collect and share prior art to help OIN community members defend themselves. We’ve assisted members with over 65 cases.
Unified Patents Open Source Zone challenged 50 Patents with excellent success. OIN, IBM, Microsoft & the Linux Foundation funded the zone 3 years ago & have since been joined by Meta & Mercedes-Benz.
Deliver royalty-free access to Linux System patents in a community that owns more than 2.8 million patents and applications in total.
Support key Open Source projects including Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), Hyperledger, Open Container Initiative (OCI), LF Networking Fund (Open Daylight, ONAP, OPNFV & others), LF Energy & Open Charge Alliance.
By enabling OSS, we advance the collective intelligence of a global community, promoting greater diversity of thought, perspective and talent.
Protect against & mitigate patent litigation risks for our members, as well as protect Open Source through patent collaboration.
Provide access to an exclusive OIN Community Member insignia & feature new members on our website under Recent Members.
Provide INSIDER — a bi-monthly eNewsletter that not only keep you informed about OIN & Open Source news around the world, but also features OIN member news.
OIN’s online sphere of influence reaches over 4,000 individuals & companies.
By the Numbers
2.8 million+
patents and applications
Our community owns 2.8 million+ patents & applications in total.
$100 million
in defensive patents
Acquired in support of the OIN and open source communities
3,700+
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 3,700+ Linux and core Open source technology packages
Patent peace in a community which owns 2.8 million+ patents & applications in total
Members become part of a global, Open Source network of 3,800 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