"Tesla Motors was created to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport. If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal. Tesla will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology."
I'm sure there are more exciting things to come from Tesla. Even though I'm not in tech anymore doesn't mean I don't still follow and care about it. One of these days, I plan on owning a Tesla!
Tesla Blog post: http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/all-our-patent-are-belong-you