Huawei is officially joining the OIN (Open Invention Network), the largest patent production group which will arrive as a shock to many. On the one side, the Chinese tech giant has been accused of stealing trade secrets from the US, while at the same time the company made $6 billion in patent royalties since 2001 from US based companies alone.
For those unaware, OIN is a major patent non-aggression community. Its mission is to enable Linux, its related software and programmers to develop and monetize the Linux and open source software. The primary focus of this being able to monitize without having face issues regarding patent infringement and lawsuits. This is done by practicing patent non-aggression in core Linux and its open source technology. In simpler terms, companies in the group cross license the Linux System to one another without the need for a royalty fee.
Now, with Huawei joining the group, the impacts could be huge. This is due to the Chinese brand holding a massive portfolio of IP Information and communications technology (ICT) patents. According to OIN CEO, Keith Bergelt, he “appreciates Huawei joining OIN and supporting patent non-aggression in the core of Linux and adjacent open-source software.”
Editor’s Pick: The Mi Fan Festival 2020 Sale Featuring Great Discounts, Big Coupons and Unmissable Deals Kicks Off on Gearbest
A little known fact about Huawei which is generally unknown is that the company is one of the top contributors to the Linux Kernel. It is also a Platinum member of the Linux Foundation through its other key open source projects. This move is being appreciated since it portrays Huawei’s strong support for open source and open collaboration. Meaning, shared patents, and technology that benefits all.
Huawei’s Head of Global Intellectual Property, Jianxin Ding, stated that “Huawei is committed to offering the highest quality ICT and smart devices.” He mentioned that supporting the non-aggression patent in Linux will showcase the company’s commitment to innovation. Furthermore, Jianxin also said that the company is always open to working with both US based and non-US based firms.
UP NEXT: Apple patents reveal an iPhone that can used underwater, another shows automatic screen adjustment
(Via)
