Since it’s conception in 2005, the OIN has been a “patent non-aggression community” with over 2500 partners who agree not to file lawsuits against each other for any patents held by members. Essentially, this means that when a company joins, they are saying that their patents are free for the members of the network to use without fear of a claim. The goal is to ensure everyone has access to the best possible programs for his or her needs, regardless of patents.
Although Microsoft is joining the Open Invention Network, it is not licensing all of their patents and they do not plan to open source any new codes. However, they are authorizing the use of all 60,000 Linux patents in their possession. Likewise, Microsoft is not transferring ownershipof any patents they already hold, including Linux-based ones, to OIN. They are simply authorizing their use for any other members of the group. By joining the network, Microsoft is giving each member permission to use Linux tech in their operations without needing to worry about any for of litigation.
