- From: Todd C. Miller <Todd.Miller@courtesan.com>
- Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 17:37:29 -0600
- To: www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org
It was with great disappointment that I read the upcoming plan for allowing patents to invade W3C standards. While I certainly agree with the portions of the new policy regarding disclosure of patents it is my belief that allowing patented IP in said standards will have a significantly deleterious effect on the Web and internet standards in general. The RAND proposal seems well-meaning in its aim to prevent discrimination against licensees by requiring equal access to license the patented IP. However, any policy that allows patents actively encourages members to include patented IP in W3C standards so as to be able to trade patents with other members and so avoid royalty payments. The end result of such a scheme is that those in the patent cabal are free to use affected standards while those on the "outside" face a large number of royalty payments. I understand that there is pressure to allow patented inventions in various internet standards (this is an issue also being faced by several IETF working groups). However, I believe that to gain the proper perspective one need only look to the Web's origins. Much of the Web's initial popularity came from existence of open, royalty-free standards and free software that implemented those standards. This enabled people to make available information at minimal cost to themselves and those who would receive that content. Royalty-laden licenses create cost barrier that be stifling to the free dissemination of information and content we have come to expect from the Web. Sincerely, Todd C. Miller
Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 19:37:49 UTC