IBM's Move a Huge Boost for Open Source Movement

IBM, the largest patent owner in the United States, announced that they are granting access to some of their intellectual property to facilitate development of over 150 standards designed to make software interoperable. IBM anticipates that their move to lift restrictions on numerous patents may act as a catalyst for developing compatibility between future software applications and computing devices, developing more innovating products and services, and also reduce patent infringement litigation. The intellectual property available for developers involves specifications and protocols for industry standards set by the World Wide Web Consortium and the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards.

Previously, developers were required to acquire a licensing deal from IBM. But now, developers have free access potentially indicating that IBM wants their software patents to be integrated into open source projects. Additionally, IBM, in their press release, stressed that their commitment applies not only to distributors, developers or manufacturers implementing the specifications involved, but also to end users and consumers. IBM also imposed a condition that the “universal and perpetual access” is available as long as adopters are not suing any party over necessary patented technology needed for implementing the standards.