- From: Mike Todd <MikeTodd@miketodd.com>
- Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 23:05:44 -0700
- To: <www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org>
In response to the recent W3C proposal to develop a patent policy framework that includes a concept designated RAND (Reasonable And Non-Discriminatory) which is a new licensing model that will allow for non-royalty-free standards to become W3C sanctioned recommendations: We are all aware of the following facts: The Internet has grown faster and wider than any technology in the history of the world. The Internet is based on standards developed using a consensus model similar to that used by W3C. Internet Protocols are copyrighted by the Internet Society to preclude their unauthorized capture by any organization. I feel strongly, and am sure many share the feeling, that the success of the Internet's growth is a direct result of its basis on public domain and publicly accessible standards. It is also a fact that many organizations have used the Internet for profit making purposes, some which involve software that extends and enhances the basic capabilities supported by the base protocols. My recommendations concerning the RAND proposal, in order of preference, are: 1. Do not establish a policy that allows proprietary patents to become parts of recommendations or standards. In addition to all of the excellent reasons provided in other messages, the possibility that the unknowing public is drawn into using and becoming accustomed to capabilities, part of which may one day be taxed by royalties or other requirements, is not conducive to continuing the great growth of the Internet to which we have become accustomed. 2. If the RAND policy is approved, there needs to be public identification of exactly what is being provided in this non-royalty-free manner and, more importantly, an alternative that is not so encumbered. In this way, organizations and individuals may make informed choices about the future of their software and other capabilities, developed based on these W3C recommendations. 3. If the RAND policy is approved as it is currently proposed, I am not sure of the impacts on W3C. However, I am pretty sure that it will cause a great deal of concern among Internet developers and some users around the world. I do believe developers and users are willing to accept non-royalty-free patents on capabilities that extend Internet capabilities. I do not believe the same is true for standards. The basic capabilities that define the web must be free of encumbrances, just like those for the Internet. Reference: http://www.openphd.net/W3C_Patent_Policy/ Mike Todd President, Mike Todd Associates www.MikeTodd.com Supporting the Digital Coast President, Internet Society Los Angeles Chapter www.ISOC-LosAngeles.org Vice President, Individual Membership, Internet Society www.ISOC.org Voice: 714-846-7257 FAX: 714-846-5716 Cell: 714-222-3700
Received on Monday, 1 October 2001 02:02:49 UTC