Legal Defense Fund

Customers deploy Linux solutions in good faith based on its technical merits and lower cost of ownership. Litigious threats within the Linux industry call for leadership on behalf of the rights of Linux end users. The Linux Foundation has responded to that call.

The Linux Foundation Legal Defense Fund was created to defray legal expenses of Linux end users who may become involved in litigation with The SCO Group on issues that affect the Linux community and industry. If the fund is not used for that litigation, it can be tapped for similar threats, should they arise, in the future. The fund can also cover the legal expenses of Linus Torvalds and other open source developers if needed for SCO or other similar litigation.

This fund sends a clear message that the Linux Foundation, in cooperation with others throughout the Linux industry, will stand firm against legal threats levied by The SCO Group or others. The Linux Foundation works with its board of directors to decide when to leverage the legal defense fund.