Several reports around in recent days about an IBM press release announcing access to IBM’s patent portfolio for venture capitalists and startups - all in the name of fostering innovation.

Some interesting commentary:

Bob Sutor: New IBM licensing program for venture-backed startups (contains text of the announcement).

Bob Sutor: Media coverage of new IBM licensing program for venture-backed startups

Irving Wladawsky-Berger: Intellectual Property as Innovation Capital

John Simonds: IBM to offer 40,000 patents to VC’s