Re: LZW patented file left in .orig.tar source package?
On Fri, Oct 25, 2002 at 09:10:32AM +0100, Edmund GRIMLEY EVANS wrote:
> Firstly, Debian cannot possibly guarantee that none of the code it
> distributes infringes on any patent in any country. So users in any
> case cannot "make a good-faith assumption" that they are free to use
> the code in their country. In which case, why throw out code that
> definitely is patented in the US? Why not just add a comment warning
> about the problem?
http://www.advogato.org/article/7.html :
"Willful infringement of a patent exposes you to major damages.
Ordinarily, when someone is found liable for patent infringement, they
are prohibited from continuing the infringing activity, and they are
ordered to pay the patent holder damages equal to a reasonable royalty
for the use of the patent, or the patentee's lost profits. The law
permits judges to increase the monetary damages by up to three times,
however, if there is a finding of willful infringement, meaning that the
infringer had knowledge of the patent before engaging in the actions
which constitute infringement."
Something to think about, at least.
--
Glenn Maynard
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