Patent Policy - Setting the bar on "where it is not possible"

Hi,

Overview
    "Where it is not possible" to obtain royalty free.  I think that this is the
crux to be written about.  If it is not possible to become a royalty free
standard, then the W3C should not allow it to be endorsed.  I am sure that there
is not the definitive standard for anything that if we do not license it the
world will not be able to function.  Therefore I propose - that:
        a.  Alternatives need to be focused upon with a strong bias to the free
ones.  Also that the time to adopt a royalty standard needs extra time to be
endorsed.  See if the market will make up for the lack of strength of the W3c.

        b.  That the standard used to determine "where it is not possible"  be
extremely high and rigidly defined.

        c. and add not only investigation but time to the process to make sure
alternatives do not arrive.

        d. The addition of an outside board that reviews any decision to adopt
royalty fees for inclusion in any standard.

        e.  And that finally the criteria for this royalty escape valve be very
high by inviting the public to comment on this earlier than is typical in the
process. In an earlier time.

thanks,
stevew

Received on Saturday, 6 October 2001 21:26:29 UTC