Consortium to Protect Linux Vendors; Users From Patent Lawsuits

Why should you care? This is the first systematic attempt by a group of large vendors to ensure that Linux and its users are protected from the threat of legal action. OIN can't hope to acquire even a small fraction of all applicable patents, but that's not how patent battles work. All OIN must do is maintain an adequate stable of "defensive" patents, which can be offered under a cross-licensing arrangement any time Microsoft or others threaten legal action. In other words: You don't sue us, we won't sue you.

Can OIN succeed? Yes, if it can build a sufficient war chest of patents. But OIN's mere existence is clear proof that the high-tech industry is committed to keeping Linux open and available.