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Re: MP3 decoders' non-freeness



At 04:51 PM 8/6/02 +0000, M. Drew Streib wrote:
On Tue, Aug 06, 2002 at 09:42:44PM +1000, Anthony Towns wrote:
> Oh, sorry, my bad I wasn't paying attention. Debian includes mp3 decoders
> too; there's been rumours and mild scaremongering about whether mp3
> decoding has been patented, but nothing definite. OTOH, there has been

It is definite. mp3 decoders also require licensing. Argue over whether
or not the patents are valid, but they do exist, which puts the burden
of proof on the infringer.

Thompson claims they require licensing. The questions I've heard are not
over whether the patents are valid, but whether they cover decoding, an
issue which would be up to a civil court, who would ask for predominance of
evidence.




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