> > (According to Applied Cryptography, IDEA is free for non-comercial
> > use. As the source code is being distributed via cvs anyway, I
> > can't see a reason why it isn't being included in any of the
> > branches.)
>
> I was under the impression it was restricted (patented) in the US and in
> some parts of europe - not having a clearer idea about where it was safe
> to use, I thought it better not to include it at all. If you can point me
> to something which explains where it's restricted and not, and under what
> terms, I'd be most appreciative :)
AFAIK it is patented, but they alow use it in a non commercial
setting. Applied Cryptography says:
IDEA is patented in Europe and the United States [1012,1013].
The patent is held by Ascom-Tech AG. No license fee is
required for non-commercial use. Commercial users interested
in licensing the algorithm should contach Ascom Systec AG,
Dept CMVV, Gewerbepark, CH-5506, M\"agenwill, Switzerlans;
+41 64 56 83; Fax: +41 64 56 59 90; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The references are to International Patent PCT/CH91/00117, 28 Nov
1991 and US Patent #5,214,703, 25 May 1993. A quick web search
turned up http://www.massconfusion.com/ssh/ssh_patent_issues.html
which contains a letter from Ascom which states their position.
It looks like there should be no problem including the code
and compiling it conditionally (it cites PGP as a valid piece of
free usage, for example).
David.
To Unsubscribe: send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
with "unsubscribe freebsd-hackers" in the body of the message
