Top Tips: Winning Strategies For Software Patents in an Open Source Environment

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Have you ever found yourself thinking that patents are not worth much in the open source world?

As a software developer, the idea that patents don’t hold much weight in open source environments may seem logical to you.

However, it’s important to know that patents are key for open source environments too.

In fact, software patents govern the underlying method, algorithm or system behind the code, while open source licenses operate independently, right?

Well, not exactly.

In this post, I discuss winning strategies for software patents in an open source environment.

Software patents are crucial for open-source environments.

Patents protect underlying systems on which open source code is built and applied.

Without these patents, it would be impossible to protect the valuable intellectual property that the software’s algorithms or methods provide.

That’s why software developers must ensure that any open-source code they use is well-documented and licensed appropriately.

Software patents also play a crucial role in upholding standards of quality and driving innovation within the open source environment.

Open-source software licenses do not render software patents invalid.

Patents govern the underlying methods, algorithms and systems of the software, while open-source licenses apply specifically to the code itself. 

As long as the underlying technology is original and novel and meets patentability criteria, then these patents apply to both open-source and proprietary code.

Therefore, inventors should always consider patent application filings in both environments, ensuring overall protection of their intellectual property.

Open-source code adopters must adhere strictly to the open-source license requirements, especially when codes are integrated into commercial products or services.

Some license agreements prohibit the use of software patents in enforcing measures such as litigations or preventing the development of further free software.

Adherence to open-source license requirements means developers can still use patented technologies alongside open-source software with permissions granted by the original patent holders.

Another factor to consider is the defense of such patents.

An inventor may choose to not enforce or sue infringers of said software patents so long as it does not threaten the underlying software’s license.

This not only protects open source projects from legal disputes, but it also encourages collaboration in innovation efforts.

Summary:

In summary, software patents are essential in both open-source and proprietary code environments.

  • It is crucial for developers to consider patents as they protect underlying methods or systems of software that open-source licenses do not cover.
  • Patent applications ensure that innovators gain protection in both environments and guard against intellectual property theft.
  • Adhering to open-source license requirements allows developers to avoid legal disputes and enforce such patents where necessary.
  • By encouraging innovation and collaboration, software patents play an integral role in the progress of the open source community.

Want to learn more about patenting software?  Get my free eBook “4 Expert Tips to Increase Your Value by Patenting Your Unique Software.”

About the Author
Randi Karpinia, is a CEO, legal expert, attorney, and legal advisor for small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, Sagacity Legal, PLLC: Small business legal strategy, protection, policies, agreements, and guidance. She can be reached at randi@sagacitylegal.com

Verkada Partners With Convergint to Deliver Smarter, More Secure Buildings

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Cloud-based enterprise building security and managed services platform Verkada has partnered with service-based systems integrator Convergint, according to a joint announcement.

Driven by “a shared commitment to safety and customer service, paired with Convergint’s vast global footprint and Verkada’s best-in-class technology,” the partnership “will empower both organizations to serve a broader global customer base,” the announcement says.

“Convergint is focused on being our customers’ best service provider,” says Joe Young, vice president of partnerships and alliances for Convergint, in the joint announcement. “By enabling security incident reduction, improving response time, and optimizing threat management, Verkada’s cloud platform supports making the world safer for our customers and communities.

“We’re excited to work closely with Verkada to deliver these solutions to our global customers,” he says.

Verkada’s cloud-based building security and management platform has grown and evolved since the company was founded in 2016.

y cameras, door-based access control, environmental sensors, alarms, intercoms and workplace management.

“We have long admired Convergint and are delighted that today we can partner with their team to enhance safety in the communities we serve together,” says Filip Kaliszan, CEO of Verkada, in the joint announcement.

“They have created a strong, service-focused culture and consistently live up to their mission to be customers’ best service providers,” he says.

PureTech PureTech Earns Four Platinum and One Gold 2023 New Product of the Year Awards (NPOY) from Security Today

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PureTech announced that its cutting-edge solutions have received four platinum level and one gold level, 2023 Security Today, New Product of the Year Awards!

The company’s PureActiv Software Platform, which is widely known for its patented, Geospatial, AI-Boosted Video Analytics earned Platinum Level Awards for categories in Autonomous Response Surveillance, Outdoor Perimeter Protection, and Video Analytics. Additionally, PurifAI Software, a ubiquitous solution that eliminates nuisance alarms for central stations won a Gold Level Award for the Monitoring Solutions category and a Platinum Level Award for the SOC Automation Suite category.

“In the realm of security, innovation is essential. When judging new security products, remember that they should not just meet today’s challenges but also anticipate the threats of tomorrow,” said Ralph C. Jensen, publisher of Security Today magazine. “By taking a proactive and holistic approach to security products and technology, customers can better anticipate and adapt to ongoing physical security needs in commercial and industrial settings, ensuring the safety of assets, employees, and operations.”

The Security Today New Product of the Year Awards are granted to manufacturers whose products demonstrate exceptional achievements in solution development and have the potential to significantly enhance security measures.

Larry Bowe, President & CEO of PureTech Systems, expressed his enthusiasm upon receiving this news, stating, “These awards are a testament to the dedication, innovation, and expertise that our team brings to the table every day. We are incredibly honored to have our efforts recognized by Security Today.” Further, Mr. Bowe said, “The receipt of these awards underscores the company’s ability to develop and deliver highly reliable and field tested, cutting-edge technology.”

For more details, you can visit the official announcement on the Security Today website: 2023 Security Today New Product of the Year Winners.

NAPCO Adds New National Trainer, Tim Cahoon

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NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. is happy to introduce the addition of Tim Cahoon, National Training Manager, reporting to VP of Sales, Napco Fire & Security, Michael Venoit.
Ideal for extending Napco’s west coast training support, based in Phoenix, AZ, Cahoon, will be providing new product introductions and technical classes on Napco’s full range of residential and commercial solutions, in person and online, including award-winning Prima All-in-One Security/Connected Home/Automation Panel, as well as StarLink Max 5G Cell/IP Communicators, FireLink FACU with built-in StarLink comm. and Napco Access lines.

Tim comes to Napco with 20+ years of experience in the low voltage security and life safety industry, and proven expertise in sales & relationship management; coaching and developing sales teams for new business growth, in addition to one of distinguished US military service. For Napco’s dynamic training schedule visit and/or register at www.napcosecurity.com/seminars. Feel free to reach out to Tim at tcahoon@napcosecurity.com or cell 602-881-3008.

NAPCO Names Jim Pless, Southeast Regional Sales Manager

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NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., Amityville, NY, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Pless, as the new Regional Sales Manager for Napco’s Southeast sales territory, including North & South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia, replacing David Sperber, who was recently promoted to Napco’s new National Accounts Director.
Jim joins Napco’s sales team, providing a wealth of security experience, in all aspects of the industry, working with several top manufacturers, dealers and central stations, and from executive sales to operations management. He will report to Michael Venoit, VP of Sales, Napco Fire & Security, who commented, “With Jim’s extensive background, in residential system sales in particular, he’s joining Napco at an ideal time to support dealers, with our new introductions of award-winning Prima All-in-One Security/Connected Home/Automation Self-Contained Solution, as well as StarLink Max 5G Cell/IP Communicators, FireLink FACU with built-in StarLink comm. and Napco Access lines.”

As Napco Southeast Regional Sales Manager, Pless, based in Georgia, will offer area dealers expert sales support, insights & new product introductions, with the goal of growing their business with Napco’s intrusion & commercial fire security solutions. Dealer/Integrators in NC, SC, GA, & VA, feel free to reach out to Jim at jpless@napcosecurity.com or cell 631-942-4017 or Michael Venoit, VP of Sales, Napco Fire Security mvenoit@napcosecurity.com. See all of Napco’s labor-saving products at GSX or ISC East Expos, or online at www.napcosecurity.com

PureTech Wins Five Awards at GSX

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PureTech announced that its cutting-edge solutions have received four platinum level and one gold level, 2023 Security Today, New Product of the Year Awards.

The company’s PureActiv Software Platform, which is widely known for its patented, Geospatial, AI-Boosted Video Analytics earned Platinum Level Awards for categories in Autonomous Response Surveillance, Outdoor Perimeter Protection, and Video Analytics. Additionally, PurifAI Software, a ubiquitous solution that eliminates nuisance alarms for central stations won a Gold Level Award for the Monitoring Solutions category and a Platinum Level Award for the SOC Automation Suite category.

“In the realm of security, innovation is essential. When judging new security products, remember that they should not just meet today’s challenges but also anticipate the threats of tomorrow,” said Ralph C. Jensen, publisher of Security Today magazine. “By taking a proactive and holistic approach to security products and technology, customers can better anticipate and adapt to ongoing physical security needs in commercial and industrial settings, ensuring the safety of assets, employees, and operations.”

The Security Today New Product of the Year Awards are granted to manufacturers whose products demonstrate exceptional achievements in solution development and have the potential to significantly enhance security measures.

Larry Bowe, President & CEO of PureTech Systems, expressed his enthusiasm upon receiving this news, stating, “These awards are a testament to the dedication, innovation, and expertise that our team brings to the table every day. We are incredibly honored to have our efforts recognized by Security Today.” Further, Mr. Bowe said, “The receipt of these awards underscores the company’s ability to develop and deliver highly reliable and field tested, cutting-edge technology.”