We've reported a couple of times before that Tesla was considering to giveaway its patents for the greater good of electric vehicle development. Well, the move has been made sooner than expected… According to an official statement written by Musk, Tesla celebrated this landmark moment by decorating the headquarter's lobby with previously secret patents.
The official press release from the EV manufacturer announces that "in the spirit of the open source movement… all our patent are belong to you." Yes, you heard that right, Elon Musk showed his geeky side by adapting the opening phrase of the 1989 Zero Wing arcade game.
Further more, Musk declared that Tesla will not initiate lawsuits against any person or company who, in good faith, want to use the EV manufacturer's technology. The main reason Tesla went this way is because "It is impossible for Tesla to build electric cars fast enough to address the carbon crisis.”
However, what do you think would happen if another manufacturer would build a Tesla Model S knockoff based on Tesla patents and sell it for half the price of the electric-drive four-door luxury sedan? That's right, Tesla would never let that sort of thing slide because it would ultimately bring the Palo Alto company's demise.
Even though the American EV manufacturer holds lots of patents that range from structural components to far more complicated stuff like electrical systems, Musk concludes his statement by saying "Technology leadership is not defined by patents… We believe that applying the open source philosophy to our patents will strengthen rather than diminish Tesla’s position in this regard."
Whatever the future holds, only time will tell. 'Til then, head down below and check the full press release.
Further more, Musk declared that Tesla will not initiate lawsuits against any person or company who, in good faith, want to use the EV manufacturer's technology. The main reason Tesla went this way is because "It is impossible for Tesla to build electric cars fast enough to address the carbon crisis.”
However, what do you think would happen if another manufacturer would build a Tesla Model S knockoff based on Tesla patents and sell it for half the price of the electric-drive four-door luxury sedan? That's right, Tesla would never let that sort of thing slide because it would ultimately bring the Palo Alto company's demise.
Even though the American EV manufacturer holds lots of patents that range from structural components to far more complicated stuff like electrical systems, Musk concludes his statement by saying "Technology leadership is not defined by patents… We believe that applying the open source philosophy to our patents will strengthen rather than diminish Tesla’s position in this regard."
Whatever the future holds, only time will tell. 'Til then, head down below and check the full press release.