Bug#158683: ITP: oggasm -- MP3 to Ogg converter
On Sat, Aug 31, 2002 at 05:15:00PM -0500, Adam Majer wrote:
> > we definitely need an mp3 decoder in debian if we want to fight the
> > patent oppression at all. i think we need another branch for that kind
> > of problems.
>
> lol, I doubt it would help. Just go to US patent office website and
> do a search on stuff like on title try "The Wheel". :) I know, it's getting
> ridicules. What need to be done is for someone to sue the patent
> office for stifling innovation and promoting monopolies. ie. something it
> was originally created to fight.
The wheel is patented in Australia, not in the US. On the other hand,
in the US there is a patent on using a laser pointer to exercise your cat,
and one on swinging sideways on a playground swing.
I do think that discouraging the use of patent-encumbered "standards"
is a useful way to fight patent oppression. It sends the message
that a patented standard is a dead standard. Maybe companies will
review their habits in that light.
> > yes, but only non-free in states that impose patent restrictions. if we
> > have such "non-patented" branch it would be free for users outside the circle.
>
> I'm not sure, but an app A that incorporates algorithm BOB and BOB is "patented"
> under a non-GPL license, then I don't think that A can be distributed as
> a GPL program.
Only if the patent holder for BOB is actively trying to enforce the license.
If you're thinking of GPL section 7, then remember that it only applies
to conditions specifically imposed on you, not merely the threat or
possibility of such conditions.
In general, I don't think we can adopt a useful and consistent stance on
what to do with software that uses patented algorithms. There are just
too many patents, and just about any program infringes on at least one
of them. Even worse, it is impossible to prove that a program does NOT
infringe on any patent. We'll have to consider the details of each case
individually.
Richard Braakman
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