- From: Dave MacKinnon <tech@mlode.com>
- Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 09:38:43 -0700
- To: <www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org>
Hello, I see no reason why a standard produced by the W3C should be encumbered by fee based patents. You state that this will remove the FUD factor, however, this will increase that factor among developers trying to follow the standards. If we have to constantly check to see whether we are infringing upon a fee-based patent simply to maintain standard compliance, we will be unduly burdened, and will ultimately decide not to follow the standard. If there are groups which wish to have their patented technology included in a standard, they should place that patent into a royalty-free model. If they do not wish to do so ( a reasonable business decision) then that technology should not be considered for the standard. If this proposal passes, you are setting everyone up to be forced to pay select groups large amounts of money for simply maintaining standards compliance. That is unacceptable, and will undermine the W3C authority in this area. Dave MacKinnon
Received on Tuesday, 2 October 2001 12:41:16 UTC