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W3C Ponders RAND Again

Posted by Hemos on from the hurm-what-to-do-with-this dept.

simonstl writes "Three unnamed W3C participants have suggested a new RAND policy that would let the W3C into the business of charging royalties for patent-encumbered specs. No consensus yet, but they sure seem to keep trying."

1 of 84 comments (clear)

  1. Found this in the reply to the message linked by Digital+Mage · · Score: 5, Interesting

    From: dank@kegel.com
    If I understand correctly, the W3C's position on RAND as described in http://www.w3.org/TR/2002/WD-patent-policy-2002022 6/#sec-Exception which says "In the event a patent has been disclosed that may be essential, but is not available on RF terms, then a Patent Advisory Group (PAG) will be launched to resolve the conflict." implies that RAND will be used only when a patent is truly essential. But the proposal you mentioned above talks about extensions. By definition, an extension is not essential. Therefore the W3C's existing public statements don't support the kind of exception proposal you mentioned.

    You are aware you're treading on very dangerous ground here, I'm sure. Care to identify the three participants who are eager to introduce extensions that require royalty payments? - Dan

    I need to buy this guy a beer and a pizza because he replies to the heart of the matter. What part of NO did a few members not understand from the last time they tried going this way. Well, let me reiterate, NO, NO, NO. I'd love to join W3C and kick some ass over there but unfortunately I don't have the $5,750 to cover their 'affiliate' membership fee. Bastards!