Re: A query about RF

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Hi Chris

According to the W3C list server, it's already the 12th, hope this goes
through. But - thanks for clearing my doubts.

Will the comment period be extended?

Here's hoping you will take our feedback into account, and steer the next
WD towards a realistic direction.

All the best
Jason Antony


Chris Lilley wrote:
> 
> Jason Antony wrote:
> 
> >  <quote>
> > 3.shall not be considered accepted by an implementer who manifests an
> > intent not to accept the terms of the Royalty-Free License as offered
> > by the licensor. </quote>
> 
> > My query is: what if a licensor offers its technology on the proviso
> > that it cannot be used on opensource operating systems, for instance?
> > Will a port to that platform violate the license and render them liable
> > for damages?
> 
> Two separate issues. First, you missed the intent of this clause, and
> second, you added a 'what if' clause which cannot apply.
> 
> To deal with the first - this clause means that the RF license only
> applies to those who give an RF license as well and do not break the
> terms of the RF license (which is a RAND license with zero fees). That
> means that
> 
> a) anyone giving a RAND license is at a disadvantage - the RF license of
> the licensor does not apply to them; they have to negotiate their
> licenses (possibly involving fees) for what everyone else is getting for
> free.
> 
> b) anyone sueing the licensor for patent infringement related to the spec
> in question breaks the license and thus, the RF terms no longer apply to
> them.
> 
> So in other words, clause 3 is a good thing.
> 
> Second - you asked what if  a licensor offers its technology on the
> proviso
> that it cannot be used on opensource operating systems? Well in that case
> it is neither an W3C RF license nor a W3C RAND license, but is some other
> license and you should ask them. Please see the clause 6 of the RAND
> license:
> 
> > 6. may not impose any further conditions or restrictions on 
>     the use of any technology, intellectual property rights, 
>     or other restrictions on behavior of the licensee,[...]
> 
> Then see the definition of RF license
> 
>  "shall have the same characteristics as a RAND License, except that"
> 
> Since clauses one two and three of the exceptions do not invalidate
> clause 6, it applies to RF licenses as well.
> 
> Thus, it is not possible for a W3C RF or RAND license to include the
> restriction that you mentioned.
> 
> -- 
> Chris


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Received on Friday, 12 October 2001 00:29:22 UTC