Intel and Others to Form ‘Open Patent Alliance’

When you think of the word ‘patent’, do you think of terms like ‘open’? Not usually. Typically, the word implies restriction, exclusivity, or individuality. Well, Intel and a few other companies are coming together to form the Open Patent Alliance with the intention of preventing costly royalty fees that could potentially deter adoption of the wireless technology known as WiMax.

The official announcement is slated for later today (Monday, June 9th) and will come in the form of a conference call. So who’s on board with alliance? There are some rather familiar names on the short list, especially for those watching the Open Handset Alliance. In fact, half of the OPA are founding members of the OHA.