Don't allow standards based on RAND Licenses

A large potion of the web servers on the Internet are
based on freeware implementations of W3C standards.
Any standard that requires a RAND license locks out
freeware implementations.

If a W3C standard makes uses of patented technology
either 1) W3C should arrange a universal Royalty-Free
license agreement, or if that isn't possible, 2) challenge
the patent and obtain a patent office or court order
stating the relevant patent claims aren't valid.  If
neither of those options can be done the technology
must not be the bases for a W3C standard.

						B.J. Herbison
-- 
B.J. Herbison / bj@herbison.com / http://www.herbison.com/herbison/bj.html
The Next Asylum / 203 Long Hill Road / Bolton, MA  01740-1421 / +1 978 634-1061

Received on Saturday, 6 October 2001 20:43:48 UTC