Online Open-Source Database BowsOnline Open-Source Database Bows

The Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) launched an online patent commons reference library Tuesday, giving developers of open source software the ability to search key OSDL databases.

With more than 500 patents pledged to the Patent Commons Project to date, the searchable databases enable developers as well as users and vendors to quickly view patent data on open source software and standards, the OSDL said.

“The Project is focused on documenting the growing number of pledges and other legal solutions directed at the software patent issue, so that developers can innovate and collaborate as free as possible from litigation,” Stuart Cohen, CEO of OSDL said in a statement.

The OSDL said it welcomes new “IT vendors, corporations, organizations, government agencies and individuals” to the project in addition to existing members including CA, IBM, Intel, Novell, Red Hat and Sun Microsystems.

OSDL said the site will expand and offer additional legal solutions and benefits in the coming months.