Linux is sticking to its roots. IBM, Sony, Red Hat and a few more have joined forces to form the Open Invention Network because, in their own words, "impediments to collaboration on the Linux operating system seriously jeopardize innovation." The method: newly-formed OIN will share their patents royalty-free with any company that agrees not to assert its own patents against Linux. Furthermore, they plan to purchase new patents and open them up for free, as well.

According to Gerald Rosenthal, this maneuver is "not a money-making enterprise. Our goal is to enable the Linux ecosystem to grow.”

Fortunately, Sony and IBM are on board, along with more than one homo economicus. So we know that someone, some day, somewhere down the line, expects to make money off this. Maybe Hollywood will learn a thing or two from this campaign as it develops.