I'll jump in here... It's not the developer of the jpeg compression scheme that's trying to enforce the patent, it's a holding company that acquired the rights to a piece of the algorithm in a purchase of a another company. IIRC, the patent expires in (literally) a couple months.
Read all about it here: <http://asia.cnet.com/newstech/applications/0,39001094,39067756,00.htm> An aside: The ISO has threatened to 'delist' the jpeg standard if the patent is upheld. Jim william ahearn wrote: > "R.A. Cantrell" wrote: > > >>Do certain forms, or levels, of code transcend the concept of property? > > > Of course. There are always exceptions to ownership. > The "eminent domain" concept is one although not an > analogous one. We're not really talking property here > as much as we are talking ownership. You can't > copyright obvious inventions. There are other > limitations. I think what will become the rule of thumb > about software use is the current lawsuit involving > JPEGs. I haven't followed this as closely as I would > have liked but the gist is that the person(s) who > developed the JPEG never enforced their copyright and > now that the copyright is lapsing, they want everybody > to pay or stop using it. Interesting to see what the > courts have to say. > > William > > PS: As for the Soviet analogy, let's not forget what > happened to the Tsar, as well. > -- Vintage Macs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Vintage Macs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/vintagemacs.shtml> The FAQ: <http://macfaq.org/> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/vintage.macs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
