Home - Open Invention Network

Recently Joined the OIN Community

About OIN

OIN is a defensive patent pool and community of patent non-aggression which enables freedom of action in Linux. Learn about OIN’s mission, team, supporters, and more.

OIN Community

Over 2,000 organizations have joined OIN. In support of patent non-aggression. For free access to OIN’s patents. And to gain royalty free access to Linux System patents of other OIN participants.

Our License Agreement

Available to all parties, a completed OIN license agreement provides entry to the OIN community and its benefits. Review the agreement, learn more, and sign up online.

OIN Linux System

The Linux System is the set of technologies in which OIN participants agree to cross-license patents to another. A shared zone of patent non-aggression to promote collaboration.

Press Room

OIN enables freedom of action in open source and Linux, which have been great sources of innovation. Find press releases, coverage, FAQs, resources and more here.

Community Initiatives

OIN supports complementary community initiatives that are good for our community and open source software.

Press Mentions

October 24, 2018
What's the deal with Microsoft's open-source friendly patents?

October 14, 2018
Linux Journal interview with Erich Andersen of Microsoft and Keith Bergelt of OIN, who dive into why Microsoft joined OIN.

Read More >>

What people are saying…

We view Open Invention Network as one of the key methods through which open source leaders and innovators can deter patent aggression. “We are committed to freedom of action in open source, and have noted OIN’s efforts to actively defend and enable the Linux ecosystem.

Jane Silber, Canonical

Linux can be found in consumer and professional systems in use around the globe. We are committed to redesigning the lifestyles of people around the world, by providing them with excitement and peace of mind. One way we create sophisticated products is by using advanced open platforms, and we are committed to ensuring their ongoing development. Joining Open Invention Network is another way we are demonstrating our commitment to open innovation and collaboration.

Tetsuro FuseJVCKENWOOD

Linux and open source are critical building blocks in today’s consumer electronics. By joining the Open Invention Network, we are helping ensure the ongoing development of open solutions that directly lead to major innovations in consumer electronics products. We are pleased to be part of the Open Invention Network community.

Stephen Evans, Wolfson Microelectronics

The OIN membership supports Kontron on many levels. With our focus on building out our IoT framework, it makes perfect sense to be a part of an open source community that protects the rights of all members within the community, especially to reduce our patent risk around Linux related technology.

Jens Wiegand, Kontron

The convergence of technology and finance has resulted in an increase in PAE litigation against financial services companies involving non-financial services-related patents.

Josh DeathTD Bank

OIN is an organization which helps protect the Linux ecosystem by building a variety of defenses against patent attacks…By joining, Mozilla receives cross-licenses from other OIN licensees, but more importantly, for the long term, it affords us a chance to work with OIN in reducing IP threats to open source development and innovation.

Harvey Anderson, Mozilla Project

The ecosystem in which we operate is changing rapidly. Innovation that was once squarely housed within the community and exclusively oriented towards its collective betterment is increasingly being conducted across a growing number of companies around the world. That growth is exciting, but there is no denying that with it comes a complex array of actors and interests, some of whom may be more opportunistic in their thinking when it comes to intellectual property rights. Ensuring that permission…

James MurdockBlockstream

Embecosm has joined the Open Invention Network (OIN), an industry consortium with an ever-growing patent pool that facilitates cross-licensing, for mutual defence against those who would use patents against the Linux ecosystem. All members are protected, even companies like Embecosm which bring no patents to the table. I don’t like the world we are in, but at least Embecosm is now in a stronger position to protect free software.”

Jeremy Bennett, Embecosm

Linux plays an important role at TomTom as the core of all our Portable Navigation Devices. We believe that by becoming an Open Invention Network licensee, we encourage Linux development and foster innovation in a technical community that benefits everyone.

Peter Spours, TomTom

Hyundai Kia Motors are both committed to offering the highest-quality, intelligent vehicle platforms that leverage Linux and open source technologies. By joining the Open Invention Network, we will use the opportunity to further develop its infotainment platform. Moreover, we will help to ensure the ongoing development of open solutions that stimulate growth in the automotive industry.

Eon Youl ShinHyundai Motor Company

Recently Joined the OIN Community

About OIN

OIN Community

Our License Agreement

OIN Linux System

Press Room

Community Initiatives

Press Mentions

What people are saying…