Tesla shares its electric car patents with all

In a selfless gesture, unsual for the highly competitive car-making industry, electric auto-maker Tesla decided to open its patents to everyone who wants to develop vehicles that run on alternative fuel.

The goal is to encourage and help other companies become involved in developping electric cars and thus expand a market where Tesla cannot compete or make a difference all by itself.

The only condition imposed by Tesla for sharing its patents requires those interested not to engage in courtroom battles over intellectual property rights.

Company CEO, Elon Musk, explained the decision: '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 is currently producing only one model of the electric car, the S sedan, worth $70,000. It is also working on developping two other car models.