Comment Re:Gif Proxy WRONG! (Score 1) 483
>because to display the gif you would have to use
>their algorithm.
This is just plain wrong. The Webserver NEVER uses the LZW scheme!! The browser receives the image STILL compressed, and then uncompresses it. They are trying to charge you even though you, as a web-hoster, may NEVER have used their algorithm! You don't have to use LZW to take a compressed GIF, download it from somewhere, and put it on your page... you only use LZW if YOU create or view the gif.
This scheme you lay out is not reasonable, because it involves people paying licensing fees while potentially never using the licensed technique.
However, if they use your GIF Proxy, then YOU, running the GIF Proxy, ARE using the LZW patent, and ARE liable.
So you take a situation where no liability actually exists, and create a situation where liability is present. I'm sure Unisys would love you for that.
>their algorithm.
This is just plain wrong. The Webserver NEVER uses the LZW scheme!! The browser receives the image STILL compressed, and then uncompresses it. They are trying to charge you even though you, as a web-hoster, may NEVER have used their algorithm! You don't have to use LZW to take a compressed GIF, download it from somewhere, and put it on your page... you only use LZW if YOU create or view the gif.
This scheme you lay out is not reasonable, because it involves people paying licensing fees while potentially never using the licensed technique.
However, if they use your GIF Proxy, then YOU, running the GIF Proxy, ARE using the LZW patent, and ARE liable.
So you take a situation where no liability actually exists, and create a situation where liability is present. I'm sure Unisys would love you for that.
