PROFIBUS is an open SPECIFICATION. Every COMPANY is allowed to create a master/slave implementation. Some patents are relevant to the PROFIBUS DP specification. The patent holders have granted free of charge licenses to all members of any RPA. Non-members have to agree on a license with the patent holders.

If a company WANTS to release a PROFIBUS implementation (SOFTWARE or hardware) as an open-SOURCE solution, the rules are relevant that are agreed at the OSADL (Open Source Development Lab, see www.osadl.org). These rules say that no implementation can be released as an open-source solution if it is covered by patents. This means that neither a PROFIBUS DP slave nor master can be registered as an open source implementation.

PROFIBUS is an open specification. Every company is allowed to create a master/slave implementation. Some patents are relevant to the PROFIBUS DP specification. The patent holders have granted free of charge licenses to all members of any RPA. Non-members have to agree on a license with the patent holders.

If a company wants to release a PROFIBUS implementation (software or hardware) as an open-source solution, the rules are relevant that are agreed at the OSADL (Open Source Development Lab, see www.osadl.org). These rules say that no implementation can be released as an open-source solution if it is covered by patents. This means that neither a PROFIBUS DP slave nor master can be registered as an open source implementation.