- From: Guillermo S. Romero <gsromero@alumnos.euitt.upm.es>
- Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 23:18:18 +0200
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
Dear Sirs: Your new proposition of allowing the use of patents in W3C protocols would only create a situation of two levels, official protocols everyone can use vs protocols only some can. It will also remove, at least partial, control of standards and protocols the organization has, and put it under the rule of others. That situation, in my opinion, is not compatible with one of the basic principles of the organization, protocols that allow interoperatibility among everyone, without restrictions or conditions. If someone wants to have a private protocol, fine, but that procotol should never be considered open standard nor have the support of organizations considered a place where everyone is equal. The shift of power also makes me wonder then why organizations are needed. I always though these systems were created to share and agree for the benefit of all even if that means sacrifice by some part. Not to be controled by small groups and the expense of all the rest (who does not cover only developers, but also users). So if something is patented, the holder must make sure everyone can implement the technology no matter the money, place or any other condition the implementor has. Or not ask it to be global standard and approved by global organizations, but handle it as propietary, thus by their own means and with people that agree. Patents were created to make technology advance, but the history is demostrating that they are more a lawyers concept that a technology one. So the best way to avoid discriminations and entering legal battles is to stay clean, completly clean, by avoiding problems or make sure the people involved first sign an agreement in which they declare they will allow unrestricted and unconditional use of patents they hold. They are there to colaborate, not follow personal plans. World is in shades of grey, but sometimes things must be set in black and white. This is one of those binary cases, a W3C protocol must be for everyone or no W3C protocol at all. Thanks for reading this. Now lets all work for a better world for everyone. GSR
Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 17:22:37 UTC