From Bill Heinze,

The Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) has launched an "online patent commons reference library" at patentcommons.org with searchable databases containing "promises, pledges, covenants and other legal undertakings made by contributors" to benefit open source software and standards. According to their website:

"This Project addresses one part of the many challenges facing software developers and users. With the support of companies and individuals who recognize and value the innovative opportunities that open software and open standards create, we offer an easy way for people to navigate and understand what is available through The Commons. We invite you to join us. The Patent Commons Project helps reduce risks for developers and users of open source software and standards, by documenting the boundaries of The Commons to facilitate their use by developers and users, and encouraging companies and individuals to pledge or contribute software patents they hold in support of open source software and standards."

posted by Solveig Singleton @ 2:40 PM | Software

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