RE: [xml-dev] Comment on W3C Patent Policy WG Response

["Bullard, Claude L (Len)" <clbullar@ingr.com>]

Note the comment:

"Some of these new technologies are patented, and more will be as the
European Patent Office 
is clearly moving toward software patents as I write this."

If true, those who think this problem is unique to the USPTO have to think
again.  
Changing laws in the US won't solve the problem.  Unless the W3C comes up
with a workable 
patent policy, it is being irresponsible.  So this isn't if; it's when and
what.

len

-----Original Message-----
From: Champion, Mike [mailto:Mike.Champion@SoftwareAG-USA.com]

p.s. Just noticed one of the few public defenses of the W3C draft patent
policy: http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1270-210-7496853-1.html
"It appears that the theory behind the proposed solution is twofold.  First,
companies need to make sure that the best technology is adopted for the
standard, no matter where it came from or whether or not it is patented.
Second, the policy would seem to add transparency to the standards process,
letting developers know what to expect. This policy would allow corporations
to charge reasonable and nondiscriminatory (RAND) licensing fees evenly to
those developing upon the standard for commercial gain."