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What Colour is Your Patent
A group of patent owners including IBM, Sony and Nokia has launched an “Eco-Patent Commons” to share patents that improve the environment. Headquartered in Geneva, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) will oversee the project intended to be an opportunity for companies to independently pledge IP that provides an environmental benefit while not representing an essential source of business advantage for the donor.
The commons seeks to build upon the open source community’s model of sharing computer programs for its efficiency, scale and visibility. Membership in the commons is open to those who donate one or more patents. A donor may reserve the right to withdraw a patent from the commons in certain circumstances.
For additional information, visit:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/14/ibm_eco_patent_commons/