lkml.org 
[lkml]   [2004]   [Jan]   [13]   [last100]   RSS Feed
Views: [wrap][no wrap]   [headers]  [forward] 
 
Messages in this thread
    /
    Date
    From
    SubjectRe: [OT] use of patented algorithms in the kernel ok or not?
    Hi!

    > > > I know that equivalent code, which is covered by most if not all of
    > > > the patents, is sold by some software companies to product developers
    > > > _in the USA_ without prelicensed patents. The problem of acquiring
    > > > suitable patent licenses is left to the purchasers.
    > > >
    > > > Rationally I would expect that if someone is able to sell code and
    > > > leave the problem of patent licensing to the purchaser, then one
    > > > should be able to _give away_ code and leave the problem of patent
    > > > licensing to the recipient.
    > >
    > > As far as I can see, it is okay to ignore patents *if
    > > you are doing research*. So you should be able to offer
    > > it to US people for research purposes.
    >
    > According to recently passed legislation, this may no longer be true. It
    > remains to be tested, but my understanding is that this "research" shield
    > is now gone.

    Time to move to Cuba?

    [Well, I thought that explicit reason for patents is "to promote
    research", and it used to be okay to improve upon someone else's
    patent. If patents no longer serve that purpose (if you can't improve
    upon someone elses work, it is worse than he keeping it secret; and
    patents were made so that people would not keep stuff secret), perhaps
    its time to ask if they are still constitutional?]
    Pavel

    --
    When do you have a heart between your knees?
    [Johanka's followup: and *two* hearts?]
    -
    To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in
    the body of a message to majordomo@vger.kernel.org
    More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html
    Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/

    \
     
     \ /
      Last update: 2005-03-22 14:00    [W:3.054 / U:1.332 seconds]
    ©2003-2020 Jasper Spaans|hosted at Digital Ocean and TransIP|Read the blog|Advertise on this site