Re: (LONG) Correct non-US solution
On Thu, May 20, 1999 at 10:53:19AM +1000, Craig Sanders wrote:
> On Wed, May 19, 1999 at 07:51:31PM -0400, Richard Stallman wrote:
> > Also, I am not sure it is useful to distinguish between
> > "use-restricted" and "patent-restricted", given that the consequences
> > would be the same.
>
> the reason i suggested having a "patent-restriced" category is that
> patents don't necessarily prevent individuals from using the patented
> technology in their own home, they only prevent the commercial
> exploitation of that patented technology.
>
> e.g. if i hear of a cool idea for a new and/or improved gadget, i
> can build one myself and use it whenever i like. i can even tell my
> friends how to do the same. what i can't do, however, is sell it without
> licensing the technology from the patent holder.
No, you can't. If you use it - home, bathtub, car, lab, product -
you are subject to patent license whims. The 'fair use' you describe
above is for copyright, not patent. IANAL, and would welcome chapter
and verse showing me wrong, but this is my understanding.
...jfree
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