- From: Gerald T. Hewes <gerald@geraldthewes.org>
- Date: 30 Sep 2001 17:49:07 -0400
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
- Cc: Gerald Hewes <gerald@geraldthewes.org>
To whom it may Concern, I've read you proposed Patent Policy Framework and feel that it is not right for the W3 organization to be sponsoring Web standards that require a license from patent holders in order to implement such standards. The web strength comes from it's openess and the ability of many larger and small companies alike, as well as individuals to contribute to it's development. While companies may hold patents on how they implement software, I do not believe that the W3 should develop standards that require a patent license in order to implement the standard. Such companies should offer royalty free usage as part of their participation in standards. The usage of patents has a large impact on the ability for Open Source implementations. There are many organizations that already develop standards that are patent encumbered and require a license to be obtained for their usage; there is no reason for the W3 to join them. Regards, Gerald Hewes
Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 17:50:12 UTC