Package: libavcodec0d Version: 0.cvs20060329-4 Severity: Serious Justification: Policy 2.3 - Copyright considerations
This package includes libfaad* and an H.264 CoDec which implement the MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding and Advanced Video Coding. Unfortunately, these are patent encumbered in at least the USA, and many other countries. To distribute code implementing any of these patents, a license is required[1]. This license requires signing an agreement and the payment of royalties, which hasn't been done AFAIK, and is contrary to policy. There has been some discussion on the lists about this issue with no particular conclusion[2]. It is therefore my conclusion that these libraries are not distributable by Debian. Subject to confirmation of this conclusion, the libraries must be removed from the archive. Should I forward this to FTP Masters and/or Debian Legal? Matthew W. S. Bell (Please don't lynch me). [1] http://www.vialicensing.com/products/mpeg4audio/standard.html http://www.mpegla.com/avc/avc-agreement.cfm [2] http://lists.debian.org/debian-legal/2006/03/msg00031.html http://lists.debian.org/debian-legal/2005/09/msg00012.html -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
