Microsoft joined the Open Innovation Network, an initiative dedicated to protecting Linux and other open source software from patent risk. The Network is comprised of about 2,650 companies, including numerous Fortune 500 enterprises. It is a voluntary system of patent cross-licenses between member companies.  
Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Erich Andersen, described the decision to join the Open Innovation Network as surprising to some, explaining that “it is no secret that there has been friction in the past between Microsoft and the open source community over the issue of patents”. Nonetheless, Anderson explained that “joining Open Innovation Network reflects Microsoft’s patent practice evolving in lock-step with the company’s views on Linux and open source more generally”. 

CLICK HERE to read Microsoft’s statement and HERE to read the Open Innovation Network statement