Red Hat Announces Broad Expansion to Open Source Patent Promise
Red Hat’s Patent Promise now covers permissively-licensed code,
making it the broadest protection for open innovation
RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Red Hat, Inc. (NYSE: RHT), the world's leading provider of open source
solutions, today announced a significant revision of its Patent
Promise. That promise, originating in 2002, was based on Red Hat’s
intention not to enforce its patents against free and open source
software. The new version significantly expands and extends Red Hat’s
promise, helping to protect open innovation.
In its original Patent Promise, Red Hat explained that its patent
portfolio was intended to discourage patent aggression against free and
open source software. The expanded version published today reaffirms
this intention and extends the zone of non-enforcement. It applies to
all of Red Hat’s patents, and all software licensed under
well-recognized open source licenses.
The expanded Patent Promise, while consistent with Red Hat’s prior
positions, breaks new ground in expanding the amount of software covered
and otherwise clarifying the scope of the promise. Red Hat believes its
updated Patent Promise represents the broadest commitment to protecting
the open source software community to date.
Supporting Quote
Michael Cunningham, executive vice president and general counsel, Red
Hat
“Red Hat’s Patent Promise now covers the lion’s share of
open source code and continues to cover all of our patents. We encourage
others to make commitments like these. The innovation machine
represented by the open source community is an enormous positive force
for society. Our patent promise -- we believe the broadest in the
industry -- is intended to support and nurture that community and force.”
Additional Resources
Connect with Red Hat
About Red Hat, Inc.
Red Hat is the world's leading provider of open source software
solutions, using a community-powered approach to provide reliable and
high-performing cloud, Linux, middleware, storage and virtualization
technologies. Red Hat also offers award-winning support, training, and
consulting services. As a connective hub in a global network of
enterprises, partners, and open source communities, Red Hat helps create
relevant, innovative technologies that liberate resources for growth and
prepare customers for the future of IT. Learn more at http://www.redhat.com.
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of industry consolidation; uncertainty and adverse results in litigation
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intellectual property and the potential for infringement or breach of
license claims of or relating to third party intellectual property;
risks related to data and information security vulnerabilities; changes
in and a dependence on key personnel; the ability to meet financial and
operational challenges encountered in our international operations; and
ineffective management of, and control over, the Company's growth and
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recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (copies of which may be accessed
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including those found therein under the captions "Risk Factors" and
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Red Hat, Inc.
Stephanie Wonderlick, +1-571-421-8169
swonderl@redhat.com
Source: Red Hat, Inc.