patent policy

Hello, 

I am writing to you regarding the RAND policy that the W3C is
considering. I realize that I am one day past the public comment
deadline, but I did not hear about this policy until late last night. 

All WWW standards MUST remain free of any royalty fees. The
standards-based infrastructure and content of the web must be freely
accessible to all people, not simply those with the funds to by software
from companies that in turn have the funds available to pay fees to
patent holders. 

I adamantly oppose the RAND policy, and urge that it be relaced with a
Royalty Free policy toward patents. If the W3C institutes a RAND patent
policy, it will severely diminish its standing. In fact, people such as
myself would consider actively working for its replacement by another
body with a stronger commitment to free and open standards. 

Sincerely, 

Joseph Beach

Received on Monday, 1 October 2001 11:02:25 UTC