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The body was formed to build a patent portfolio through acquisition, which companies could use freely on the condition that they did not push patent claims against Linux.

Funding is provided through the founding members: IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat and Sony; and the organisation is soliciting further donations.

The patents acquired cover software development, Internet and e-commerce.

This adds to the existing portfolio of patents acquired from Commerce One with which the Open Invention Network launched.

'The new set of patents OIN has obtained is part of our ongoing patent acquisition strategy, and will significantly increase our contribution to protecting the Linux environment,' said Jerry Rosenthal, chief executive officer at Open Invention Network. 'We are seeking to acquire intellectual property that will protect the Linux environment today and years into the future. Our licensees benefit because our patents are available on a royalty-free basis to any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux environment. Adding new OIN patents and licensees expands the size and strength of the Linux ecosystem.'

For more information, visit the OIN website.