Re: Bug#309257: libpano12: patent problems

[Robert Jordens <robertjo@phys.ethz.ch>]

Hello!

[Mon, 16 May 2005] MJ Ray wrote:
> Read more about the iPIX vs Dersch from FFII at
> http://swpat.ffii.org/pikta/xrani/ipix/
> 
> The second link (contains patent titles) suggests that there
> is clear prior art.

Thanks for the link!

The prior art argument is pretty much irrelevant in our question as long
as the legal status quo is different and the patent has not been
challanged.

For a user or for Debian we can't knowingly risk lawsuits even if we
think they can be won.

> Interactive Pictures appear to be a tn.us corporation - does anyone
> nearby know whether any regulations forbid so-called patent trolling
> in that locality?
> http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=interactive+pictures&CIK=&filenum=&State=&SIC=&owner=include&action=getcompany

heise.de says that iPIX even threatened those that only linked to
Dersch's graphics.
http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/18317

        Robert.

-- 
Solutions are obvious if one only has the optical power to observe them
over the horizon.
		-- K.A. Arsdall