zlacker

They have to keep the patents (or donate them to a trusted third part, as a bunch of tech companies have done). They unfortunately need the protection. Otherwise, someone could sue them.

I think Musk's word in this case is good. He's not a nobody; his reputation is stellar.

>>gkober+(OP)
They should license the patents for free to anyone who wants to use them. There's no word needed.

>>gkober+(OP)
A general business tip: rely on someone's reputation as a signal that you should consider doing business with them, and then rely on their signature on a contract to protect you when you do business with them.

>>gkober+(OP)
http://en.swpat.org/wiki/Patent_non-aggression_pacts is an option that is a tad more legally binding.

>>IBM+7
Looks who's talking, the largest patent holder and bureaucratic entity on Earth. Yeah, right ;)

>>gtirlo+q3
I believe that was the joke. :)