Messages in this thread | | | Subject | Re: [OT] use of patented algorithms in the kernel ok or not? | From | Adrian Cox <> | Date | 22 Dec 2003 15:34:15 +0000 |
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On Mon, 2003-12-22 at 09:50, John Bradford wrote: > Quote from Jamie Lokier <jamie@shareable.org>: > > > That's why I said it's uncharted territory. We don't know how safe it > > is to publish code that *doesn't do anything* but does embody a > > patented technique *only if the recipient deliberately modifies the > > code*. > > Look at the MTD code.
For examples of source code distribution in a patented area, look at MPEG4 projects, particularly MPEG4IP.
http://mpeg4ip.sourceforge.net/ has source code under a variety of licenses including GPL, and the front page has the following disclaimer: "This code is not intended for end users, and does not contain executables. Please read all the legal information to determine if it is suitable for you."
The project was started by Cisco, who likely did some legal research first. Cisco, however, have the resources to see off frivolous lawsuits, while individual developers do not.
- Adrian Cox http://www.humboldt.co.uk/
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