About Those 882 Novell Patents: This is Where OIN Comes In (Groklaw)
About Those 882 Novell Patents: This is Where OIN Comes In (Groklaw)
Groklaw takes a
look at the sale of Novell's patents and how the Open Invention Network
(OIN) fits in. "Here's how it works. The patents of OIN members are licensed to each other royalty-free in perpetuity. Even on a sale, the license remains in force for all pre-existing members. If you are a member of OIN prior to the closing on the Novell deal, then, you are covered. The proposed closing date is January 23rd, so you still have time to join OIN and get the benefit of the license to those patents. Then, if Microsoft shows up at your door, you can say, "Thanks, but no thanks. I already have a license." So here's what it all adds up to, by my reading: if ever you were thinking of joining the Open Invention Network, this is the sensible time to do it, as long as you get it done before this sale closes and that door shuts with respect to the Novell patents.
"