Alfresco Becomes Open Invention Network Licensee

Alfresco Software, Inc. announced that it has become an Open Invention Network licensee. Alfresco is one of the first Open Invention Network startup licensees, joining information technology firms that are dedicated to maintaining the health, vitality and collaborative power of Linux. Open Invention Network (OIN) is an intellectual property company that was formed in 2005 to promote Linux by using patents to create a collaborative environment. Open Invention Network promotes a positive, fertile ecosystem for Linux, which in turn provides choice in the global marketplace. This helps ensure the continuation of innovation that has benefited software vendors, customers, emerging markets and investors. As an OIN member, Alfresco will share all of its existing patents with other OIN licensees, and will freely license future patents to the organization as they are developed. OIN holds more than 100 strategic, worldwide patents and patent applications. These patents are available to all licensees as part of the ecosystem that OIN is creating around, and in support of Linux. Through the accumulation of patents that may be used to shield Linux users and the Linux environment, OIN has reduced the need for offers of protection from others. This collection of patents makes it economically attractive for companies that want to repackage, embed and use Linux to host specialized services or create complementary products. http://www.openinventionnetwork.com/, http://www.alfresco.com