I realize this is a bit late...

Several people have stated that patented technology that has any sort of restrictions on it is a BAD THING within W3C recommendations/standards.  However,  I think this partly goes to the issue of software technology patents in general.  For quite a while, there has been a consensus that software technology patents should not last 17 years as all other patents do.

So maybe here would be a chance to support that idea.  If the W3C is going to adopt a policy of using patented technology within its recommendations/standards, why not require the owner of the patent to commit to a shorter period of ownership?  For instance, if a patent holder agrees to share their patent with the W3C (which is mutually advantageous), then the patent becomes public domain two years after the official recommendation containing the patented technology is published.  This allows the patent holder to profit from the patent without putting an unreasonably long stronghold on the technology.

Good luck in your efforts...

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Seairth Jacobs
seairth@seairth.com