HTML License Options for Discussion

In 2009, the HTML Working Group generated a number of use cases for a more liberal license for the HTML5 specification than the usual W3C Document License, and submitted these to the W3C Team. Since then, there have been discussions in the W3C PSIG (Patents and Standards Interest Group) of how a license might be designed to enable as many of these use cases as possible, while not allowing outright forking of the specification. Information from that discussion, and, in particular, the license text and additional commentary for three candidate licenses can be found here:

http://www.w3.org/2011/03/html-license-options.html

Since the HTML WG made the original request, at this time, W3C Management would like feedback on these licenses. This feedback will be input to the W3C Advisory Committee and to W3C Management, who will be responsible for the final decision.

We will use the following schedule for gathering feedback from the WG:

   * 31 Marc: HTML Working Group Chairs introduce materials to WG.
   * 28 April: HTML Working Group Chairs will open survey for feedback on several document license options, to run for one week.
   * 5 May: HTML Working Group Chairs summarize feedback and send to W3C staff.
   * Soon after: W3C staff opens survey of W3C Membership on same options, with this material and HTML WG feedback as input.
   * 15-17 May: W3C Membership discuss during Advisory Committee Meeting.

The discussion period is now open. Please feel free to discuss these candidate licenses. At the end of the month, there will be a final opportunity to formally record feedback that will be delivered to the AC and W3C Management.

Regards,
Maciej