IBM has decided to let open-source developers use 500 software patents without fear of an infringement lawsuit, a new step in its encouragement of the collaborative programming philosophy. It is a small but significant measure for a company with major efforts to patent its research, then license those patents. However, the vast majority of IBM's 10,000 software patents in the United States aren't being shared so freely. The move follows that of Linux seller Red Hat, a comparatively small company that objects to software patents but allows unfettered use of its own smaller portfolio in open-source software. And Novell, the second-largest Linux seller, has vowed to use its own patent portfolio to deter and counter legal attacks against open-source software. IBM is a vocal champion of Linux and has hundreds of programmers contributing to the development of the operating system. In August, the company pledged not to use its patent portfolio to attack Linux, and in October, the company named former microprocessor chief John Kelly to lead a new intellectual property division.

Posted by GEN-ERIC at 11:52:30 am into the following categories: In The News

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