Nokia Yields Patents to Linux Kernel

Well hot damn! This is great news for the Linux world indeed. It seems that Nokia has decided to yield patents over to the Linux kernel. If more companies would just follow this lead, Linux would really take it’s rightful place as the best desktop OS out there!

Nokia has modified its Patent Statement with an exemption for official releases of the Linux Kernel. For an indefinite period of time, Nokia reserves the right of non-assertion and will effectively turn a blind eye to any new functionality added to the kernel that infringes upon some of its patents.

This is intended to help provide what Nokia refers to as a “framework of certainty” around open source.

Nokia’s stated reason for the move is that the Linux Kernel and other open sources projects contribute to innovation and the creation and rapid deployment of new technologies. In a statement, Nokia challenged other industry leaders to follow suit and take a clear public position on the issue of IP with regard to open source.

For the time being, Nokia’s Patent Statement is limited to official releases of the Linux Kernel, but the company is exploring ways to extend the arrangement to other open source projects that it has taken an active role in. [Read the rest]