- From: M Birch <mb_add@yahoo.ca>
- Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 02:33:19 -0400 (EDT)
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
I do not approve of such action regarding the ability to implement patents on items that relate to current or future W3C Standards. Having a recognized standard for the Internet implies wide spread implementation. Adding restrictions, such as a patent, would impact its usage and increase the difficulty of producing a standard. When a Standard or Policy (such as the related document) is introduced, comments and suggestions are made to improve it. Involving patents increases the complexity of a possible standard. The specific rights (patents, licenses, etc.) would make the process more difficult. Possible contributors might not contribute to an emerging standard in an attempt to create their own standard. This forum should create and innovate the Internet's various technologies; financial gain usually conflicts with large-scale innovation. The idea behind a standard is that everyone (the general public) should implement this method/protocol. Providing restrictions on a standard may cause further conflicts due to basic understanding of the standard including the patent or license. If someone patented "English" (the language) would we be using it today to communicate? If you (company or individual) want an idea or concept to be used only under certain restrictions, do not release it as a standard. There are other methods to release a standard and allow the ability to include a patent or license restriction. This allows the owner the rights and controls they obviously seek. I do not believe that the W3C should become part of this protocol. _______________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.ca address at http://mail.yahoo.ca
Received on Friday, 12 October 2001 02:33:21 UTC