OIN in India to protect Linux

New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) In its mission to further software innovation and protect the Linux operating system, Open Invention Network (OIN) will tour key Indian technology centres to urge them to get their software patented.

The company purchases patents applicable to all areas of software useful in protecting the Linux.

''Our mission is to build a patent portfolio whose purpose is to benefit and protect the Linux. For this purpose, we are going to acquire patents that are useful to the operating system and those in similar technology spaces. We would also license the patents to any company that agrees to its own patents against the Linux environment,'' company's Chief Executive Officer Jerry Rosenthal told reporters here today.

During country's tour, company executives will meet business leaders, government officials and intellectual property (IP) experts to discuss ways to protect Linux and ensure its availability in order to maintain the pace of IT innovation, said Mr Rosenthal adding that many Indian software development companies and customers have found it challenging to understand and adhere to intellectual property and patent rules and regulations.

In less than a year, OIN has accumulated more than 100 strategic worldwide patents and its applications.

OIN was launched in 2005, and has received investments from IBM, NEC, Novell, Philips, Red Hat and Sony.

UNI