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TomTom joins open-source collective

by on24 March 2009

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Trying to avoid being sued by Microsoft

GPS maker TomTom has joined a collective of companies that have pooled their patents in an effort to help defend open-source software against legal threats.

TomTom is being sued by Microsoft in a patent dispute over a number of patents, including several related to TomTom's use of the Linux kernel.

The Open Invention Network said that TomTom had joined its ranks. Peter Spours, director of IP at TomTom, said by becoming an Open Invention Network licensee, we encourage Linux development and foster innovation in a technical community that benefits everyone.

Last week TomTom counter-sued Microsoft, saying the software maker violates some of TomTom's patents.

It is not clear if the new collective will help TomTom in its legal woes.

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