Proposed W3C Patent Policy

I am writing to express my concern over the recent discussion of the W3C 
patent policy framework.  I am most concerned about RAND licensing. 

The internet has become a great global communications medium via the 
openness upon which it was founded.  Here is an excerpt from "The W3C in
Seven 
Parts": 

"W3C, a vendor-neutral organization, promotes interoperability by designing 
and promoting open (non-proprietary) computer languages and protocols that 
avoid the market fragmentation of the past." 

Allowing patented technology contrary to the W3C's stated mission of 
promoting open standards. 

I am also concerned with the following issues: 

That RAND licensing would promote oligopoly in internet development. 

That RAND licensing would make open-source solutions impossible. 

That RAND licensing would promote mediocrity of implementation.  Entry into 
market will depend on ability to license technology, not on ability to 
develop the best implementation. (Otherwise known as "building a better 
mousetrap".)  This type of issue is currently facing AM/FM radio stations 
that wish to broadcast music over the internet.  
There are so many groups that desire royalty payments (artists,
distributors, 
producers, on-air voice talent, etc.).  It has made it virtually impossible 
for any station to perform the task legally.  The only groups that are
having 
an easy time at broadcasting music on-line are people involved in the music 
business.  And even those groups a having some in-fighting amongst
themselves. 
We don't want this sort of confusion in all aspects of web development. 

Therefore, I must strongly voice my dissent for the current "W3C Patent 
Policy Framework", and its inclusion of non-royalty free patent licensing. 

Respectfully, 

Darnell McGavock 






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Received on Tuesday, 2 October 2001 19:28:36 UTC