- From: Allan Oepping <allan@pacificwebworks.com>
- Date: Fri, 05 Oct 2001 09:49:20 -0600
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
- Message-Id: <5.1.0.14.0.20011005093931.06db6090@mail.pacificwebworks.com>
Dear W3C Patent Policy Working Group, I'm concerned about the recent Patent Policy Framework draft, which could allow W3C members to charge royalty fees for technologies included in web standards. In particular, I object to the inclusion of a "reasonable and non-discriminatory" (RAND) licensing option in the proposed policy. I believe that the exclusive use of a "royalty-free" (RF) licensing model is in the best interests of the Internet community, and that RAND licensing would always necessarily exclude some would-be implementors. I applaud the W3C for its tradition of providing open-source reference implementations and its work to promote a wide variety of interoperable implementations of its open standards. The W3C can best continue its work of "leading the Web to its full potential" by continuing this tradition, and saying no to RAND licensing. Our company used many open-source products. The Internet is unlike any technology currently supported by a standards body. The Internet is for everyone, not just for a select few hardware manufactures or software vendors. I would rather have a limited set of functionality then be forced into paying royalties and/or restricting the use on Internet software. We support the continued development for patent-free technology. Sincerely, Allan Oepping Vice President of Engineering Pacific WebWorks
Received on Friday, 5 October 2001 11:49:44 UTC