- From: <George.Turner@command.de>
- Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 11:39:35 +0200
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
Hello, as comments have been requested from the Internet community concerning changes to the W3C, it is readily apparent that the future of the Internet remains the responsiblity of everyone who participates. Changing a key component of how the W3C regards both royalties and patents to reflect a limited view of royalties and patenting which is only valid within a generally American framework shows a lack of awareness of the global network which the Internet represents. It may be instructive for the W3C to review current history, using the recent 'dispute' about the GIF format. Unisys's attempt to collect royalties for what is essentially an algorithm has not led to an increased revenue stream for the company, since a Webmaster such as myself in Germany has no legal obligation to recognize a patent which is not applicable within the EU; many companies, organizations, and individuals converted graphics to other formats (such as PNG), which are unencumbered by the clumsy legal tactics of an inept company in such of unearned revenue; and the Internet remains too diverse for any single organization to have any realistic chance to change the basic values upon which the Internet has grown. It is sad to see the increasing irrelevance of such a fine organization as W3C, which was once a model for proving that cooperation was the essence of a successful network. Attempting to replace such an innovative concept was predictable, though it stands in stark contrast to what made the W3C an institution worthy of respect. Of course, since the proof has already been provided of how to create a successful global network, it is also instructive to watch the number of subsequent attempts which have failed, due to such trivial concerns as patents or royalty licensing, such as WAP. Obviously, I am opposed to the recent changes which have been so thoughtfully provided for inspection for the entire Internet community, in a similar fashion to ICANN's inept and often illegal practices. Thank you - G. Turner ______________________________________________________________________ This message is intended for the addressee or its representative only. Any form of unauthorized use, publication, reproduction, copying or disclosure of the content of this e-mail is not permitted. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail message and its contents, please notify the sender immediately and delete this message and all its attachements subsequently. command ag
Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 05:46:50 UTC