Tesla Motors goes "open source"
- BigMouse
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
Tesla Press Release
Tesla has decided not to sue those who use technology from their patents in good faith.
This is an interesting development, but there is no mention of source actually being made open, so I'm not sure the use of the term is justified. Patents are intentionally very vague, and almost never include enough information to replicate a technology.
What are folks thoughts on this release?
Tesla has decided not to sue those who use technology from their patents in good faith.
This is an interesting development, but there is no mention of source actually being made open, so I'm not sure the use of the term is justified. Patents are intentionally very vague, and almost never include enough information to replicate a technology.
What are folks thoughts on this release?
Tesla Motors goes "open source"
Yeh I agree.
Most of the real technology is kept as trade secret - Elon has mentioned this before regarding why SpaceX don't patent their technology. Patents don't really protect you anyway (as they mention in the article).
Still its somewhat a good thing I guess... except now that they won't be pursuing patents, I think the trickle of information will stop. Certainly there wont be any "open-source" hardware or software released - but i'd be happy to eat my words.
At least with a patent, the information is in the public and all you have to do is change it by ~18%(? from memory) and it's considered a unique design.
Regardless, EV design and technology still has a long way to go - these patents will probably be meaningless in a few years, and they know it.
Most of the real technology is kept as trade secret - Elon has mentioned this before regarding why SpaceX don't patent their technology. Patents don't really protect you anyway (as they mention in the article).
Still its somewhat a good thing I guess... except now that they won't be pursuing patents, I think the trickle of information will stop. Certainly there wont be any "open-source" hardware or software released - but i'd be happy to eat my words.
At least with a patent, the information is in the public and all you have to do is change it by ~18%(? from memory) and it's considered a unique design.
Regardless, EV design and technology still has a long way to go - these patents will probably be meaningless in a few years, and they know it.
Rgds,
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- Gabz
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
patents are always left vague as the idea is to patent and idea the actual design is protected by copyright. using the words open source is misleading even in quotes.
it now means that you won't get sued by Tesla if you make a car has a big touch screen in the middle... but they aren't going to tell you how to make one that's different.
it now means that you won't get sued by Tesla if you make a car has a big touch screen in the middle... but they aren't going to tell you how to make one that's different.
Last edited by Gabz on Fri, 13 Jun 2014, 07:45, edited 1 time in total.
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- Johny
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
He actually said:
"We believe that applying the open source philosophy to our patents will strengthen rather than diminish Tesla’s position in this regard."
He didn't infer that they were making designs available just that they won't go out and actively sue anyone who copies them.
I like the sentiment of the press release regarding patents.
"We believe that applying the open source philosophy to our patents will strengthen rather than diminish Tesla’s position in this regard."
He didn't infer that they were making designs available just that they won't go out and actively sue anyone who copies them.
I like the sentiment of the press release regarding patents.
- Thalass
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
Certainly sounds like a good move to me!
I'll drive an electric vehicle one day.
- Richo
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
I'm a believer that a Patent should be a unique novel concept that no-one has done before.
So I'm struggling to think how this applies to Telsa.
Sure they made a good electric car but it hardly qualified as unique or a novel concept.
Most of the systems are similar to others but in different applications.
How about this link about their "battery protection system".
A sheet of ali..
Com'on the patent may as well be printed on toilet paper.
http://gas2.org/2013/11/15/tesla-filed- ... -year-ago/
No wonder they release a statement about not perusing claims against copies.
I suspect they use the term "open source" very (very) loosely.
So I'm struggling to think how this applies to Telsa.
Sure they made a good electric car but it hardly qualified as unique or a novel concept.
Most of the systems are similar to others but in different applications.
How about this link about their "battery protection system".
A sheet of ali..
Com'on the patent may as well be printed on toilet paper.
http://gas2.org/2013/11/15/tesla-filed- ... -year-ago/
No wonder they release a statement about not perusing claims against copies.
I suspect they use the term "open source" very (very) loosely.
So the short answer is NO but the long answer is YES.
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- weber
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
BigMouse wrote: Tesla Press Release
... What are folks thoughts on this release?
Although I agree it's not really "Open Source", I might just have to promote Elon Musk from "hero" to "god".

Here's a list of Tesla Motors' patents
http://stks.freshpatents.com/Tesla-Motors-Inc-nm1.php
One of the fathers of MeXy the electric MX-5, along with Coulomb and Newton (Jeff Owen).
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
I would say he's hoping to be the battery supplier and energy provider to others that may use his technology.
My hobby interests are EV's and competitions. aeva.asn.au for ev's and www.lottos.com.au for competitions. If your partner complains about you ev'ing, send 'em to lottos!
- Thalass
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
I think he wants everyone to use their "supercharger" standard. Which is not horrible, i guess.
I'll drive an electric vehicle one day.
- Richo
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Tesla Motors goes "open source"
weber wrote:Here's a list of Tesla Motors' patents
<a href="http://stks.freshpatents.com/Tesla-Motors-Inc-nm1.php" rel="nofollow">http://stks.freshpatents.com/Tesla-Moto ... nm1.php</a>
Wow that's a lot

I'm surprised they managed to get time to make the car.
Seriously patents on sun roof positions.

A lot are specific to their chassis and setup so are pretty pointless.
Others are due to issues from their chassis and setup which wouldn't be worth copying anyway.
Some are redundant due to newer technology.
Still that probably leave about 100 or so that are worth something.
So the short answer is NO but the long answer is YES.
Help prevent road rage - get outta my way!
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- Adverse Effects
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