Using OSS libraries in my product - will that protect from patent litigation?
I am working on an innovative product that uses a GNU GPL licensed library and per GPL needs open-source my work as well. Could that protect me from patent litigation?
I am worried since my former partner has filed for an overly broad patent - in fact it claims the above library as its IP as well - I am very sure the patent might not hold up in close examination. I am conflicted if I should challenge this patent by disclosing to the USPTO.
However since patent litigation is so expensive, and could put the brakes on my fledgling company, I feel this might be a shakedown from a vengeful man with deep pockets.
Would open-sourcing my code, preempt patent litigation?
Patent Intellectual Property Open Source Software Licensing
2 Answers
Short answer no. Especially if the code is related to the work being claimed. Code being open sourced does not automatically protect it from patents.
You need to go talk to an IP lawyer.
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Hi, thanks for responding. But the OSS project is **not** related to this company = in fact the company ripped off the OSS code, violated the GPL, and is now patenting it! My question was from the perspective that if it can be shown that the OSS (project originates from 2005 and the patents were filed in 2012) constitutes prior art and therefore the patent is invalid. – Gupshup 11 years ago
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You need to ask a lawyer. It would help certainly - but it depends on the annoying details. It's certainly not an automatic free pass. It may well still involve expensive litigation. – Adrian Howard 11 years ago
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In short - ask a lawyer ;) – Adrian Howard 11 years ago
Would open-sourcing my code, preempt patent litigation?Unfortunately, nothing exists in the universe to prevent any litigation; at least in the U.S., as you must already realize, anyone can sue anyone for anything. More specifically in your case, no, something being open sourced doesn't confer patent litigation invulnerability, magically blocking litigation before it actually gets started. And it doesn't even mean that you will win in court if it goes to that; there is currently no mechanism in patent law that goes like this: "Oh, the software that violates the patent is open source? Oh, why didn't you say so! It's immune! You can violate the patent with impunity. Have fun."
What does allow a defense, in court or through USPTO's defined processes, are the traditional ways to invalidate a patent: prior art or showing that you don't actually infringe any of the claims.
For more on patent suits vs. OSS suits, read up about the JMRI case, in which the patent holder wound up losing a lawsuit to the OSS developer for infringing the Artistic License (which may be applicable in your situation):
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Thanks, I didn't mean to imply that open-sourcing it per se removes the threat. My thought was by virtue of it being opensource, the plaintiff attorneys might take a look at it and realize the frivolity of their case. – Gupshup 11 years ago
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Well, then a) edit your post to explain that if you like, b) my answer addresses that point, too, in that their case would *not* be frivolous, but completely consistent with current software patent law (sadly). That is a real answer to your question. – Chelonian 11 years ago
