The
Linux Foundation, in collaboration with the Cloud Native Computing
Foundation (CNCF), announced the expansion of its
partnership with Unified Patents to defend open source software against
non-practicing entities (NPEs). This enhanced partnership brings new
advantages directly to Linux Foundation and CNCF members, to help defend
the open source ecosystem against the growing threat of frivolous
patent assertions targeting open source and cloud native technologies.
The Linux Foundation has long been a steadfast advocate for the open
source community, promoting innovation, collaboration, and the
protection of open source software from NPEs, commonly referred to as
'patent trolls'. As the risk and volume of frivolous litigation against
open source projects grows, the need to provide accessible protection
from NPEs has become crucial. This expanded partnership with Unified
Patents, a recognized leader in the fight against NPEs, underscores the
Linux Foundation and CNCF's commitment to safeguarding open source
projects and their users, who are increasingly the targets of patent
trolls.
This initiative builds on the success of previous collaborations with
Unified Patents, which have played pivotal roles in defending critical
open source projects from unjust patent litigation. In 2019, the Linux
Foundation and Unified Patents partnered to create an Open Source Zone
to defend projects from NPEs. Through this latest partnership, members
of the Linux Foundation and CNCF-over 1300 companies-will gain access to
a suite of advantages based on their membership level to assist in
proactive NPE defense, including:
- Annual NPE risk analysis
- Patent portfolio analysis
- Access to Unified's PATROLL prior art bounty program
- Regular updates on NPE activities
- Access to specialized events
- Option to sponsor specific PATROLL crowdsourcing
prior art contests and participate in any royalty-free licenses granted
in resulting settlements.
"We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Unified Patents,"
said Mike Dolan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Projects and
Legal at the Linux Foundation. "This partnership not only strengthens
our collective defense strategy, but also provides our members with
critical resources to navigate and counter the complex NPE landscape."
"The expansion of our partnership with the Linux Foundation and CNCF
is a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against patent
trolls," said Shawn Ambwani, Chief Operating Officer at Unified Patents.
"By combining our expertise and resources, we are better equipped to
protect the open source community from those who seek to exploit the
system for profit without contributing to innovation."
"As cloud native technologies continue to advance, it becomes even
more important to guard against patent trolls that do nothing but hinder
the open source ecosystem that drives untold innovation, efficiency,
and productivity," said Priyanka Sharma, executive director of the Cloud
Native Computing Foundation. "These advantages will better defend our
community and members as well as ensure continued progress for our
ecosystem and the cloud native industry at-large.."
The Linux Foundation, CNCF, and Unified Patents encourage the open
source community to take full advantage of the new advantages offered
through this partnership. Similar to any other technology wave,
companies adopting cloud native technologies must prepare for patent
assertions by NPEs and actively engage with the resources available to
protect their investments.
More information is available at www.linuxfoundation.org/about/members/npe-deterrence and www.cncf.io/npe-deterrence-benefits