Re: [GALPon] Fwd: GALPon MiniNo and Open Invention Network (OIN)

Adxunto remitovos o correo que recibimos en MiniNo convidandonos a entrar na *Open Invention Network (OIN)* . Gustarianos ter opinións dos expertos en patentes ao respecto antes de dar un paso adiante. Destacar que hay algunha outra distro amiga tamén para obsoletos, como é o caso de Absolute Linux, de quen tomamos cousas e que eles veñen de incorporar cousas nosas. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <PMontano(a)openinventionnetwork.com> Date: 2010/12/3 Subject: GALPon MiniNo and Open Invention Network (OIN) To: minino(a)galpon.org Hello MiniNo Team, The fact that your distribution is a GNU/Linux design should mean that you would have an interest in keeping Linux and Open Source Software open and free, and further, that should also make GalPon MiniNo a perfect match to join OIN's Community of Licensees. Our organization, *Open Invention Network (OIN) *and its members have the same convictions about Linux and open source as you and so we thought you might be interested in learning about OIN and joining our community. OIN was established back in 2005 by a group of notable companies, including IBM, NEC, Philips, Red Hat and Sony, each of which have a vested interest in making sure that Linux stays open and free and doing what they can to create a robust growth in the use of Linux and open source software by all parties. One of the major obstacles in protecting Linux is the risk of patent issues that could muddy up the environment. To avoid or minimize this obstacle, OIN buys patents that we believe could pose a potential threat to Linux, thereby keeping them out of the hands of troublemakers, like trolls, and then we make them available on a royalty-free basis to anyone who joins OIN. Those who join, if they have patents, agree not to assert their patents against the Linux System. You don't necessarily have to have any patents to join. In fact, protecting distributions developed by individuals and small groups of developers who have no patents, yet contribute to the growth and use of Linux & Open Source was an important factor in the establishment of OIN. *It doesn't cost any money to join*, and if you have no patents, you essentially have no obligations under the agreement that needs to be signed...... *yet, *you get the benefit in return of being licensed to all of our Licensee's patents that read on the Linux System plus the 300 + patents that OIN, itself owns, plus access to OIN expertise should your use of Linux ever be threatened, or if you simply need some guidance or advice. As a non-profit like organization, OIN's focus is not on generating revenue. There is no need to do so as we are funded by our Founders. Please take a close look at the attached list of current OIN members which is made up of a mix of large companies and small groups of distribution developers......all of whom believe in and have a vested interest in in Linux and open source software. I have also attached a copy of our agreement to join and encourage you to seriously consider doing so as you will have bolstered your public image as a supporter of Linux and open source software and gained the benefit of collaborating with a growing list of companies and distributions with similar interest. With respect to our agreement, like all agreements, it has a lot of legalese and I can help clarify any language that you may not be sure about, but basically it amounts to what I noted above. If you have any patents, you promise not to assert those patents against the Linux System, and in return you get rights to a whole bunch of patents from guys as big as IBM, plus association with a group of entities and individuals with a common interest in Linux and open source software...AND, FINALLY, as mentioned earlier, it cost no money. No up front fees, no monthly dues,.......nothing. Also, as a member of our Community of Licensees, you have access to a lot of OIN folks with expertise in the IP and Linux arena who are available to you to provide a source of advice & counsel (non-legal counsel) on a variety of topics. Check out our website to learn more about OIN. http://www.openinventionnetwork.com and contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for allowing me to take up some of your time. I wish you continued success with your business and look forward to hearing from you and to the prospect of welcoming you into our community. Regards, Pete ________________ Peter D. Montano Licensing Executive Open Invention Network Office: 704-341-5888