Open Invention Network Welcomes Wolfson Microelectronics plc as Licensee

DURHAM, NC--(Marketwired - Apr 29, 2014) - Open Invention Network (OIN), the organization formed to promote Linux by creating a collaborative environment, announced today that Wolfson Microelectronics plc has joined OIN as a licensee. In doing so, Wolfson, a global leader in the design and development of mixed-signal semiconductor devices and audio solutions for consumer electronics products, is demonstrating its commitment to intellectual property (IP) non-aggression in Linux.

Wolfson is a significant contributor to Linux, as one of the top 10 corporate Linux kernel contributors. Linux is a core technology within a number of Wolfson parts including ALSA system-on-a-chip (ASoC), a subsystem that provides a framework for audio in embedded systems running Linux and TinyHAL, which supports Android's audio Hardware Abstract Layer. Additionally, Wolfson has created a number of key audio, touchscreen and power management drivers that are part of the Linux Kernel.

"Linux and open source software are becoming the leading collaboration and innovation tools used by organizations to develop world class products. They have sparked extraordinary new consumer electronics capabilities," said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. "We are pleased to have Wolfson Microelectronics join the Open Invention Network community. We applaud their commitment to Linux's openness and furthering innovation and IP non-aggression."

"Linux and open source are critical building blocks in today's consumer electronics," said Stephen Evans, VP Software at Wolfson Microelectronics. "By joining the Open Invention Network, we are helping ensure the ongoing development of open solutions that directly lead to major innovations in consumer electronics products. We are pleased to be part of the Open Invention Network community."

More than 800 organizations worldwide have joined the OIN community by signing the OIN license. Community members cross license Linux System patents to one another on a royalty-free basis. Patents owned by Open Invention Network are similarly licensed royalty-free to any organization that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System. The OIN license can be reviewed and signed online at http://licenses.openinventionnetwork.com/.

About Wolfson Microelectronics plc

Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a global leader in the supply of high performance, mixed-signal semiconductor devices and audio solutions to the consumer electronics market. In the home, in the office and on the move, Wolfson's innovative technology can be found at the heart of many of the world's leading digital consumer goods, including premier hi-fi equipment, smartphones, mobile phones, tablet computers, MP3 players, televisions, digital still cameras and gaming.

The company's headquarters is located in Edinburgh, UK. Wolfson's customers are located worldwide, and so is Wolfson, with design centres, sales offices, applications teams and engineering expertise across Europe, the US, Australia and Asia.

Wolfson Microelectronics plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: WLF.L).

For more information about Wolfson Microelectronics, please visit: http://www.wolfsonmicro.com

About Open Invention Network

Open Invention Network is a collaborative enterprise that enables innovation in open source and an increasingly vibrant ecosystem around Linux. It does this by acquiring and licensing patents, influencing behaviors and policy, and protecting the integrity of the ecosystem through strategic programs such as Linux Defenders. OIN enables the growth and continuation of open source software by fostering a healthy Linux ecosystem of investors, vendors, developers and users.

Open Invention Network was launched in 2005 and has strong industry support with backing from Google, IBM, NEC, Philips, Red Hat, Sony and SUSE (a business unit of Novell). For more information, visit http://www.openinventionnetwork.com.