Oracle Signs License Agreement With Open Invention Network

NEW YORK, NY – Open Invention Network (OIN), the company formed to spur innovation and protect the Linux System, has said that Oracle, the world's largest enterprise software company, has become a licensee. By becoming a licensee, Oracle is demonstrating its commitment to a secure, fertile Linux ecosystem, ensuring choice in the marketplace.

Patents owned by Open Invention Network are available royalty-free to any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System. This enables companies like Oracle to continue to make significant corporate and capital expenditure investments in Linux — helping to fuel economic growth.

"We are very pleased to have Oracle become a licensee of Open Invention Network's patents," said Jerry Rosenthal, chief executive officer of Open Invention Network. "Oracle is the global leader in enterprise software. It is a prime example of forward-thinking companies that understand the value inherent in the openness and collaborative culture of the Linux community. OIN has and will continue to acquire intellectual property that will protect Linux developers, distributors and users, today and years into the future."

"We have been active members of the Linux development community for years," said Oracle Chief Corporate Architect Edward Screven. "We believe licensing Open Invention Network's patents provides assurance to anyone working to make Linux better, including Oracle. We applaud Open Invention Network for encouraging and supporting Linux innovation."

In less than a year, OIN has accumulated more than 100 strategic, worldwide patents and patent applications. These patents are available to all licensees as part of the patent commons that OIN is creating around, and in support of Linux. This makes it economically attractive for companies that want to repackage, embed and use Linux to host specialized services or create complementary products. Additionally, it helps ensure the continuation of innovation that has benefited software vendors, customers, emerging markets and investors.