I think they were asking for something like Creative Commons for patents. Prior to CC anyone could write a note that says “free to use” but then you would need a lawyer to do due diligence and scan each with a fine toothed comb. The value of CC is it normalized all of that so the economy around using the free thing got easier.

Yes publishing work will allow you to bring it up as a defendant. But by the time you’re called to a law office in west Texas you’re already out millions in legal fees and still run the risk of getting a judgement against you.

What I think they were asking for is something more formal.