Open Invention Network Launched to Promote Linux Innovation and Collaboration

Strategic Insights -

Open Invention Network, a new company created to promote Linux innovation and collaboration, was launched on November 10, 2005, with financial support from IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony. The company aims to establish a new model of intellectual property management for Linux, where patents are openly shared in a collaborative environment. This initiative is expected to have a significant economic impact, with the worldwide Linux business projected to grow 25.9 percent annually, doubling from $20 billion in 2005 to more than $40 billion in 2008, according to International Data Corporation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Open Invention Network is a company that acquires patents and offers them royalty-free to promote Linux innovation and collaboration.
  • The company has financial support from IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony.
  • Patents owned by Open Invention Network will be available on a royalty-free basis to any company, institution, or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux operating system or certain Linux-related applications.
  • The company believes that creating a new system to manage and ensure access to key patents for the Linux operating system will have a significant economic impact.
  • International Data Corporation projects the worldwide Linux business to grow 25.9 percent annually, doubling from $20 billion in 2005 to more than $40 billion in 2008.
  • The company's goal is to spur innovation in IT and across industries by helping software developers focus on what they do best - developing great Linux-related software with greater assurance about intellectual property issues.
  • Open Invention Network's initial patent holdings include a set of business-to-business electronic commerce patents purchased from Commerce One by JGR, a subsidiary of Novell.
  • Companies like IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony support the initiative, recognizing its potential to facilitate innovation and collaboration in the Linux ecosystem.

Statistics:

  • World Linux business growth rate: 25.9 percent annually
  • Projected growth in worldwide Linux business: doubling from $20 billion in 2005 to more than $40 billion in 2008
  • Total value of worldwide Linux business in 2005: $20 billion
  • Total value of worldwide Linux business in 2008: more than $40 billion

Sources:

  • Business Wire - November 10, 2005
  • International Data Corporation
  • Interview with Jerry Rosenthal, CEO of Open Invention Network
  • Statements from IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony