Mozilla joins Open Invention Network

Mozilla has joined the Open Invention Network (OIN) as a licensee, writes ARS Technica.

The move reflects Mozilla's long-standing commitment to open source software and support for the Linux platform. It's also yet another high-profile endorsement of the OIN's approach to open intellectual property licensing.

The OIN was founded in 2005 by a group of large technology companies that rely on Linux for key aspects of their business. In order to protect Linux from patent litigation, it assembled a pool of extremely broad patents that cover a wide range of essential technologies. In the event that a patent lawsuit is launched against core pieces of the Linux kernel or platform stack, the OIN could theoretically retaliate by filing a patent suit of its own against the aggressor.

Open source developers Bug Labs announced a major partnership today with Verizon Wireless, says The New York Observer.

It's a huge opportunity for Bug, but founder Peter Semmelhack also felt he had some explaining to do. In a blog post he wrote, "It may come as a surprise to you that a company that is so often vilified for being closed is teaming up with Bug Labs, a company that is defined by its openness. I was skeptical at first too. But over the past several months the teams we've worked with at Verizon have demonstrated time and again their commitment to supporting our mission."

Verizon's high margin landline business is shrinking. To solve that, says Semmelhack, the company must either: "Convince you to pay more for services on devices that you currently own (eg, your phone) or get you to pay for services on new device types (eg, iPad)."

Bristol City Council could be about to unlock the open source floodgates in the UK with a possible deal to combine open source and Microsoft software, states e-Week.

The Council will consider a suggested policy that would see it using open source solutions where possible to meet business requirements, but stick with Microsoft Office and Windows 7 on all desktops, according to a statement by a councillor.

“I am a strong advocate of open data, open standards and open source solutions,” says cabinet member for efficiency and value for money, Mark Wright. “This is a pragmatic proposal that delivers more key functions through open source products, but appreciating that much of the core desktop toolset and operating system still needs to use Microsoft technology.”