Established in 2005, Open Invention Network (OIN) is the world’s largest patent non-aggression community and free defensive patent pool.
We remove patent friction in core open source technologies, which drives higher levels of innovation. Open Source Software (OSS) distills the collective intelligence of a global community.
Mission
We enable freedom of action for Open Invention Network community members and users of Linux/OSS-based technology through our patent non-aggression, cross-license in the Linux System, which defines the commitment of all community members.
We will continue to grow our worldwide membership and the Linux System over time.
Vision
We will execute our mission by growing our community membership and engaging with companies of all types — from start-ups to Fortune 100 enterprises — across diverse industries.
We will continue updating the Linux System through a conservative, consensus-driven process to keep up with technological advances.
We will actively monitor for patent-related threats to Linux and adjacent open source technologies and encourage open source community Intellectual Property (IP)-related initiatives.
We will continue to promote and educate our community on complementary defensive IP strategies and support key open source projects.
Key Linux System Applications
Apache
Eclipse
Evolution
Fedora Directory Server
Firefox
GIMP
GNOME
KDE
Mono
Mozilla
MySQL
Nautilus
.Net
OpenLDAP
OpenOffice.org
Open-Xchange
Perl
PostgreSQL
Python
Samba
SELinux
Sendmail
Thunderbird
Governance
Our CEO, Keith Bergelt, in coordination with our Board of Directors — who are senior executives from OIN’s Funding Members — oversee the organization’s strategies, policies, decisions and activities.
Funding Members
What We Do
Deliver royalty-free access to the Linux System patents of our community members through cross- licensing commitments
Manage over 74 OIN patents and applications, licensed FREE-of-charge to all our members
Leverage our relationships to collect and share prior art when needed
- Challenge patent applications as appropriate
- Provide collective intelligence from a global community
- Support our members and those under attack from patent aggressors
By the Numbers
2.7 million+
patents and applications
Our community owns 2.7 million+ patents & applications in total.
$100 million
in defensive patents
Acquired in support of the OIN and open source communities
3,700+
packages
Core Linux and Open Source Software packages in the Linux System
Member Benefits
- Membership publicly demonstrates open source & patent non-aggression advocacy
Lifetime membership is FREE without entry barriers
Patent cross license in 3,700+ Linux and core open source technology packages
Patent peace in a community which owns 2.7 million+ patents & applications in total
Member access to OIN’s patent portfolio of approximately 74 global patents & applications
Membership is available to ALL open source advocates — businesses & individuals
Members become part of a global, open source network of 3,700+ members from start-ups to Fortune 100 firms
Everyone signs the same agreement terms
Holding patents in the Linux System is not required
You get the opportunity to network with our rapidly-growing community members
OIN leverages our industry relationships to collect & share prior art as needed
OIN challenges patent applications as appropriate