- From: Susan Lesch <lesch@w3.org>
- Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2003 14:31:20 -0800
- To: public-web-plugins@w3.org
Hello, The HTML PAG expects to post summaries of its past meetings. This and the next mail are for the PAG's 10 and 17 October teleconferences. --- Seventeen people attended the 10 October 2003 HTML Patent Advisory Group (PAG) [1] teleconference, its first meeting. After introductions, the group reviewed the PAG charter [2]. The PAG has two goals: 1. Assess US Patent 5,838,906 in practice with respect to W3C HTML specifications and to advise the W3C Director and W3C Membership on the PAG's findings. 2. Resolve those concerns by suggesting possible resolutions. The group agreed that there were serious doubts whether the '906 patent should have been issued. If the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) [3] re-examined the patent, it was believed that in light of prior art they might well withdraw the patent grant. W3C presented a preliminary proposal with the advice of outside counsel. The best course of action appeared to be to complete part two of the PAG charter first, by challenging the patent. It is possible for anyone to ask for a patent re-examination, but for re-examination to succeed, grounds must exist and be strong. The PAG discussed the risks of failing. It was noted that in the USA, many organizations can join the effort, and that a re-examination must be based on fresh new evidence. The PAG discussed plans to submit a US Section 301 prior art filing to the USPTO. The PAG decided that because they can present strong reasons, a group of influential commercial and standards organizations can convince the Commissioner to act on his own in the public interest in advance of re-examination. The Chair asked for reactions in favor and objections to this plan, and received positive responses. There were no objections. W3C will prepare a concrete plan for the next meeting. The HTML PAG meets next on 17 October. [1] http://www.w3.org/2003/09/pag.html [2] http://www.w3.org/2003/09/w3c-html-pag-charter.html#mission [3] http://www.uspto.gov/ Best wishes, -- Susan Lesch http://www.w3.org/People/Lesch/ mailto:lesch@w3.org tel:+1.858.483.4819 World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) http://www.w3.org/
Received on Friday, 31 October 2003 17:34:57 UTC