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Illegal File Formats?

Posted by Cliff on from the they-ban-books-why-not-file-formats? dept.

Patman asks: "While thinking about the legality of MP3's today, I got to wondering - has a file format or storage method ever been declared illegal? Of course, using it can be illegal if you don't have rights, but I was wondering about actual formats or methods. " I don't think this has happened yet, but don't think that it never will. I wonder if I someone will start a betting pool on which one it will be.

1 of 25 comments (clear)

  1. I love it when people talk out their ass...... by J4 · · Score: 2

    Fraunhofers patent is on _their_ algorithm that can be used to create mp3.
    I don't violate any license from them by having mp3 files.
    If I use a piece of software that uses Fraunhofers _algorithm_ to encode an mp3, _then_ I owe them a royalty.
    There are encoders that do _not_ use Fraunhofers algo, for example Blade.

    IANAL but I believe it's not a criminal
     offense, violating someone's patent. Using
     these formats in ways that violate patents
     isn't illegal, you will just get your ass sued
     off. There's no file format that can land you
     in jail.

    Sheesh.... Okay, so you don't know but you think it might be alright.
    Thanks for clearing that up.

    I never thought I'd see this question on /.
    And whats with the definitions of stuff in the headlines?