What exactly did Tesla mean when they turned their patents "open source"?

Question

Tesla said that they won't initiate lawsuits against anybody who uses their tech "in good faith". That doesn't really mean that anybody can use their patents, does it? What is the IP strategy behind such a move?

Thank you in advance for your professional insight!

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Answers: 2 public & 0 private

Steven weinrieb
Patent Attorney

It is "assumed/believed" that Tesla has granted its patents "open source" status so that if one or more parties use the patents to truly advance technology and bring green patent technology into production based upon the Tesla patents, Tesla will not sue them. Tesla is apparently permitting such so as to advance technology and green efforts against the harmful environmental effects of internal combustion engines.

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