On Sat, Oct 02, 1999 at 11:51:30AM -0400, Raul Miller wrote: > > Here's a quote from the policy: > > > > `Non-free' contains packages which are not compliant with the DFSG or > > which are encumbered by patents or other legal issues that make their > > distribution problematic. > > Encumbered by patents should be non-us, not non-free. And even there, > only for cases where someone makes an issue of it. > > Reason? Everything is encumbered by patents. At least in the U.S., > you're presumed to be guilty of patent infringement until proven innocent. > > Also, if there are legal issues associated with a DFSG program which > can't be addressed by moving the package to non-US we should probably > either set up a new repository for that kind of package or else not > distribute it at all. > > I propose that the above language be changed to: > > `Non-free' contains packages which are not compliant with the DFSG. Seconded! Given that hyperlinks are patented (not by anyone who writes a web browser), so are right mouseclicks and a Save As menu option are patented by SOMEBODY, it's unrealistic to say we can move all patented software to non-free. Other things patented in the US: the technology emacs uses to embed elisp editor syntax highlighting timer calibration loops like the kernel uses Software wavetables (timidity and kernel SoftOSS) a process which has the ability to determine a program died and restart it for that matter any software which runs something at a given time MDI apps (windows within window like win3.1 used, not M$'s patent either) icon bars, in general LZW and RSA, which of course are DISCOVERIES, not INVENTIONS If we move everything to non-free that is patented SOMEPLACE we'd have nothing at all in main the very second we start examining the patents of the US. It is widely regarded that any of these patents if ever enforced would find themselves not standing up in court due to the mountains or prior art in existance... Whether or not that is true, we have to stop somewhere. And BTW, someone patented using a paper clip to hold a mouse cord at the end of your mouse pad in a manner that causes you to not run out of cord.. That's not software, but it's not exactly rocket science. You can buy little plastic clips that are of course patented. Whatevver you do, don't start selling bent paper clips or they'll sue you for patent infringement! -- Joseph Carter <knghtbrd@debian.org> Debian GNU/Linux developer GnuPG: 2048g/3F9C2A43 - 20F6 2261 F185 7A3E 79FC 44F9 8FF7 D7A3 DCF9 DAB3 PGP 2.6: 2048R/50BDA0ED - E8 D6 84 81 E3 A8 BB 77 8E E2 29 96 C9 44 5F BE -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm not a level-headed person... -- Bruce Perens
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