non-free patents have no place in w3c standards

• From: David Kimdon <David_Kimdon@alumni.hmc.edu>
• Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 19:45:46 -0700
• To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
• Message-ID: <20011004194546.E10340@oink.pinol1.sfba.home.com>

Hi,

It is neither sensible nor productive to have non-free patents in W3C
recomendations.  W3C is helping with a very imporatant goal,
standardization and interoperability on the web. non-free patents will
only slow down progress and put more power to those with cash,
allowing them to further increase their hold. 

The fact that non-free 'standards' are already polluting the web is
not a signal that W3C should embrace patented technology but rather a
signal that W3C should accellerate its efforts to finding suitable
replacements.

Historically W3C hasn't had a stance on patents on the web.  That is
as it should be.  non-free patents have no place in standards.

The fact that the IETF allows for non-free aspects to its
recomendations is unfortunate.  I hope the W3C can resist the
temptation.

And by the way, in general you are all doing a fine job, just keep
non-free out.

Thanks,

David

Received on Thursday, 4 October 2001 22:57:53 UTC