How the Patent Non-Assertion Pledge Can be a Savvy Business Strategy
Tesla’s recent pledge not to sue those who use its patent-protected technology is evidence of the broadening popularity of patent non-assertion strategies outside the formal standard-setting process. But those who would rely on such pledges still need to read the fine print. It was nearly a decade ago that IBM announced it would allow free access to a portfolio of more than 500 patents for those using them to develop or distribute certain open-source software. Since then, a number of other tech companies have issued their own patent non-assertion pledges. In 2012, Twitter promised that it would not wield its patents in litigation. Google now lists dozens of patents it won’t enforce unless it is sued first. Continue Reading