Google becomes a full ION member

OIN works to increase its own patent library to cross-license it to its members

The fact that so many people choose Android as a preferable operating system is quite justified. On one hand, as there’s a big range of hardware partners, users can customize the UI. On the other, there are also quite a lot great third-party launchers and stores.

In all, the very heart of its flexibility is due to the fact, that Android is an open-source system, and that is what’s important to Google. In fact, Google’s products centre on open-source efforts and the ability of such systems to be tweaked with custom apps.

Of course, such platforms are still open to legal obstacles, as for example, there are potential issues with Linux, and there has been a claim that Microsoft’s patent arrangement apply to about 70% of all Android devices. Now the question is- what actions can Google, and other companies as well, take in order to protect themselves from patent issues?

First, there’s the Open Invention Network that works to increase its own patent library in order to cross-license it to its members. The Open Invention Network grants free access to certain patents to companies that agree they won’t take legal actions against any OIN member when it comes to the use of Linus.

Since Google is already a member of OIN, the company is about to even expand its fight for protection of open-source efforts and today it became the first new ION board member since 2007. Android users can rest assure that this commitment won’t affect them; however Google will be even more active in terms of protecting their open-source Linux projects.

Chris DiBona, the Director of open source at Google comments:

Linux now powers nearly all the world’s supercomputers, runs the International Space Station, and forms the core of Android. But as open source has proliferated, so have the threats against it, particularly using patents. That’s why we’re expanding our participation in Open Invention Network, becoming the organization’s first new full board member since 2007.

Source: Android Authority