Introducing the Patent Commons Project

The Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) has launched an "online patent commons reference library" at patentcommons.org with searchable databases containing "promises, pledges, covenants and other legal undertakings made by contributors" to benefit open source software and standards. According to their website:

"This Project addresses one part of the many challenges facing software
developers and users. With the support of companies and individuals who
recognize and value the innovative opportunities that open software and open
standards create, we offer an easy way for people to navigate and understand
what is available through The Commons. We invite you to join us. The Patent
Commons Project helps reduce risks for developers and users of open source software and standards, by documenting the boundaries of The Commons to
facilitate their use by developers and users, and encouraging companies and
individuals to pledge or contribute software patents they hold in support of
open source software and standards."

Learn more about how to contribute to The Commons.