Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Yangjae headquarters. Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) and Kia (000270.KS) said Thursday they have joined the global patent network “Open Invention Network (OIN) 2.0” to preemptively guard against patent disputes related to open-source software (OSS).
OIN is a global network aimed at preventing patent disputes within the Linux-based open-source ecosystem. In January, it launched the new OIN 2.0 framework, which broadens the scope of patent protection compared to the previous system. The network operates as a cross-licensing system that allows member companies to use each other’s patents, preventing disputes from arising. Major global IT and automotive companies, including Amazon, Google, Toyota and Nissan, participate in the network.
While open-source software has the advantage of accelerating software development by being openly available for anyone to use, it also carries the possibility of service restrictions stemming from patent disputes. To address this, Hyundai Motor and Kia joined OIN 1.0 in 2015 and have now decided to participate in OIN 2.0 as well. The move is seen as laying the groundwork for stable technology development and service operations in key areas of future mobility, including software-defined vehicles (SDV), cloud and connected services.
Hyundai Motor and Kia also plan to fulfill their role as members of the global open-source ecosystem by actively participating in efforts to redefine the scope of patent protection within OIN.
“To respond to the SDV era, we are managing not only technology development but also legal factors to secure a stable foundation for service operations,” a Hyundai Motor and Kia official said. “Through this OIN 2.0 membership, we will strengthen cooperation with the global network and bolster our competitiveness in software-centered future mobility.”