Comment Re:W3 meetings and the software patent problem (Score 2, Interesting) 111
Bruce-
I agree that the problem is software patents in general. But the sad likelihood is that software patents aren't likely to go anywhere anytime soon. And a "safe harbor" is going to be fought tooth and nail because open source software is perceived to be every bit as much a threat to patent holders (wishing to use patents for offensive reasons) as commercial software. Both unlicensed free/open source and commercial software destroys potential revenue streams to patent holders.
But perhaps if the W3C were to take a stand and say that patent-enforced technologies could not be stamped with the imprimatur of W3C approval, they would simply be passed over for another solution. There are very few "technologies" in the web world for which alternatives cannot be deployed. The reason W3C accepts patented technologies is because their promoters have to most to gain from promoting patented solutions, and there are often no better solutions being promoted with the same vigor out there (this is not true in all cases, of course).
Your call to get the free software world involved is spot on, however, because if the free software & open source world can suggest technologies/standards free of patent (and perhaps get into the business of filing defensive patents), then the need to consider patent-encumbered standards and technologies goes away (see PNG!).
-Gabe
I agree that the problem is software patents in general. But the sad likelihood is that software patents aren't likely to go anywhere anytime soon. And a "safe harbor" is going to be fought tooth and nail because open source software is perceived to be every bit as much a threat to patent holders (wishing to use patents for offensive reasons) as commercial software. Both unlicensed free/open source and commercial software destroys potential revenue streams to patent holders.
But perhaps if the W3C were to take a stand and say that patent-enforced technologies could not be stamped with the imprimatur of W3C approval, they would simply be passed over for another solution. There are very few "technologies" in the web world for which alternatives cannot be deployed. The reason W3C accepts patented technologies is because their promoters have to most to gain from promoting patented solutions, and there are often no better solutions being promoted with the same vigor out there (this is not true in all cases, of course).
Your call to get the free software world involved is spot on, however, because if the free software & open source world can suggest technologies/standards free of patent (and perhaps get into the business of filing defensive patents), then the need to consider patent-encumbered standards and technologies goes away (see PNG!).
-Gabe
