In a bid to stimulate the market for the Linux operating system, IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat, and Sony have joined forces to support the Open Invention Network (OIN). OIN will acquire Linux related patents. The patents will be available on a royalty-free basis to any company, institution, or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux operating system or certain Linux related applications.

Links: OIN Press Release, Reuters story, Open Source Development Lab (OSDL).