Opinion on Patent Policy Framework Working Draft

I do not approve of such action regarding the ability to implement patents on
items that relate to current or future W3C Standards.  Having a recognized
standard for the Internet implies wide spread implementation.  Adding
restrictions, such as a patent, would impact its usage and increase the
difficulty of producing a standard.

When a Standard or Policy (such as the related document) is introduced,
comments and suggestions are made to improve it.  Involving patents increases
the complexity of a possible standard.  The specific rights (patents, licenses,
etc.) would make the process more difficult.  Possible contributors might not
contribute to an emerging standard in an attempt to create their own standard. 
This forum should create and innovate the Internet's various technologies;
financial gain usually conflicts with large-scale innovation.  The idea behind
a standard is that everyone (the general public) should implement this
method/protocol.  Providing restrictions on a standard may cause further
conflicts due to basic understanding of the standard including the patent or
license.  If someone patented "English" (the language) would we be using it
today to communicate?

If you (company or individual) want an idea or concept to be used only under
certain restrictions, do not release it as a standard.  There are other methods
to release a standard and allow the ability to include a patent or license
restriction. This allows the owner the rights and controls they obviously seek.
 I do not believe that the W3C should become part of this protocol.

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Received on Friday, 12 October 2001 02:33:21 UTC