Microsoft has created a public online database for its entire patent catalog



From V3:

Redmond says the database will help undercut firms which aim to hold up innovation in the marketplace and encourage other firms to do the same by releasing a detailed database of their patents.

"Transparency around patent ownership will help prevent gamesmanship by companies that seek to lie in wait and 'hold up' companies rather than enable a well-functioning secondary market," wrote Brad Smith, senior vice president and general counsel at Microsoft, in a blog post.

  Microsoft dumps patent catalog on the web