Hyundai-Kia Motors Are the First Global Automotive Manufacturers to Join the Open Invention Network Community

DURHAM, NC--(Marketwired - Dec 10, 2015) - Open Invention Network (OIN), the largest patent non-aggression community in history, announced today that Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation are joining OIN as community members. Recognized as leaders in quality and innovation, Hyundai and Kia are the first global automobile brands to join OIN. Their industry leadership and participation in OIN will pioneer open source innovation and patent non-aggression in the rapidly evolving automotive and Internet-of-Things platforms. 

"The pace of adoption of Linux and open source technologies in the intelligent vehicle and Internet-of-Things industries is unprecedented. While automotive and consumer device manufacturers have historically designed and built proprietary platforms from the ground-up, these communities are benefiting from the innovation and collaboration inherent in open technologies that speed new features, drive quality, power interoperability and lower costs," said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. "We greatly appreciate Hyundai-Kia Motors' automotive industry leadership in joining OIN and supporting patent non-aggression. Hyundai and Kia are demonstrating their commitment to open source software and the associated development efforts that benefit the automotive market, consumer device industries and ultimately consumers." 

"We believe Linux and open source technologies are increasingly important in today's intelligent vehicles," said Eon Youl Shin, Director of Intellectual Property Development Group at Hyundai Motor Company. "Hyundai-Kia Motors are both committed to offering the highest-quality, intelligent vehicle platforms that leverage Linux and open source technologies. By joining the Open Invention Network, we will use the opportunity to further develop its infotainment platform. Moreover, we will help to ensure the ongoing development of open solutions that stimulate growth in the automotive industry."

OIN's community practices patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open source technologies by cross-licensing Linux System patents to one another on a royalty-free basis. Patents owned by Open Invention Network are similarly licensed royalty-free to any organization that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System. The OIN license can be signed online at http://www.j-oin.com/.