Listen to this articleDistributed Ledger Technology, better known as Blockchain, is experiencing rapid adoption as the engine driving most of today’s sophisticated logistics platforms. Open source software components, in addition to full-scale blockchain projects like Corda and Hyperledger, power these platforms.
Open Invention Network (OIN) is the largest patent non-aggression community in history. It was formed to safeguard open source software from patent aggressors. It is financially backed by Google, IBM / Red Hat, NEC, Philips, Sony, SUSE and Toyota.
Open Invention Network’s powerful cross license addresses significant portions of the key, foundational code used in these open source DLT / Blockchain projects. This significantly reduces the risk posed by aggressive corporates looking to hinder open source blockchain development and adoption through patent actions.
A. P. Møller – Mærsk A/S (Maersk) has joined the Open Invention Network as its first shipping and logistics community member. Maersk is the global leader in shipping services, operating in more than 130 countries. As a user of open source, Maersk considers open source software as an enabler of advanced supply chain management platforms.
“As we continue our digital transformation, we remain focused on building and integrating the best technologies for our logistics platforms, delivering services that our customers value and trust. Open source may play a pivotal role in the platforms and applications that we build, purchase and integrate,” said Simone Frattasi, Head of Global IP and Paw Martins, Head of Cloud & Innovation Platform at Maersk. “We are pleased to join the Open Invention Network and support its role in protecting open source software innovations.”
“Fast evolving supply chain technologies – from tracking chips and sensors to blockchain platforms – continue to drive accuracy and efficiency while lowering costs for businesses and consumers. Integrated logistics companies increasingly rely on open source technologies as they modernize, integrate, and build new supply chain capabilities,” said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. “We are pleased that an established shipping and logistics leader like Maersk is committed to patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open source technologies.”
OIN’s community practices patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open source technologies by cross-licensing Linux System patents to one another on a royalty-free basis. Patents owned by Open Invention Network are similarly licensed royalty-free to any organization that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System.
