Comments

• SubSonica

  2007-11-29 07:52:07

  Here you have a very,very good and clarifying speech on software patents that explains very clearly why is so important to avoid patent-encumbered format. The speech explains LZW (patented by Unisys) and how it was almost impossilble to avoid breaching the patent since it was implemented in GIF. I would call it “the software patents for dummies speech”:
  
  http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/stallman-mec-india.html#speech
  
  One of the examples the speech gives is the case of LZW (patented by Unisys) and how it was almost impossilble to avoid breaching the patent since it was implemented in GIF.
  
  But this can be applied to any format. I am sure that MSOOXML and Silverlight are full of patents. OK, now keep this in mind because it is important that the engineers and developers ingenuously (or disingenuously) implementing MSOOXML or Silverlight or .mono in FOSS projects to know why this is a terribly bad idea:
  
  One of the things the speech warns about, is that patents that are in the pipeline waiting for approval are secret for at least 18 months, so I am sure that even if no patent covers MSOOXML yet, they have something prepared in case the format gets approved by ISO and gains adoption. Once the patents are disclosed, people would already be locked-in, so Microsoft can sue around users and companies alike and cause much disruption.

• Roy Schestowitz

  2007-11-29 10:46:31

  I would call it “the software patents for dummies speech”

  
  
  I found it on FSDaily last night and I was going to mention it today. Thanks for the tip.
  
  

  But this can be applied to any format. I am sure that MSOOXML and Silverlight are full of patents.

  
  
  Yes.
  
  

  ...so I am sure that even if no patent covers MSOOXML yet, they have something prepared in case the format gets approved by ISO and gains adoption

  
  
  I know there is a pledge, but I've received E-mails that suggest OOXML-related stuff keeps entering WIPO (site search brings that up). Combine that with Bill Hilf's "No lawsuits -- for now." Smart people don't throw rocks in a house made of glass.
  
  

  Once the patents are disclosed, people would already be locked-in, so Microsoft can sue around users and companies alike and cause much disruption.

  
  
  Keep warning IBM.
  
  http://boycottnovell.com/2007/11/27/mono-free-linux/