- From: Steven Pothier <bbbbspothier@azstarnet.com>
- Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 19:01:11 -0700
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
The RAND option should not be applied to W3C standards. The work that W3C has done is real and substantial. However, a standard is more than just a product - it is a point of common undestanding that can used for work that comes later. A good standard becomes a focus of effort. The RAND option would exclude some would-be implementors. But worse, it would dilute the focusing affect of the standard. I believe royalty-free licensing will serve the community much better. If member companies feel they must create a revenue stream from W3C standards, let them do it outside of the official W3C organization and attach fees to the implementing programs; not to patents. -Steven Pothier-
Received on Wednesday, 10 October 2001 22:12:41 UTC