Data interchange standards should be patent free (at least w3c recommended ones)

I best illustrate this position with the TrueType format.  The format itself 
is patent-free, but certain rendering techniques are protected by patent.
Anyone can view a TrueType font, but it gets better if you have access to
Apple's hinting patent techniques.

I feel the W3C should not bless any standard unless the parties involved
certify that the resulting interchange be usable -- at least in basic form -- 
with no intellectual property restraints.  Note I did not say "offer to 
licence their patent for free", I said "no intellectual property restraints".

                   Bryce Nesbitt
                   Cambridge, MA