Re: [OT] use of patented algorithms in the kernel ok or not?

From: James Morris
Date: Sun Dec 21 2003 - 08:44:07 EST


On Sun, 21 Dec 2003, Jamie Lokier wrote:

> Albert Cahalan wrote:
> > What about the obvious Kconfig option?
> >
> > config PATENT_1234567890
> > bool "Patent 1234567890"
> > default n
> > help
> > Say Y here if you have the right to use
> > patent 1234567890 (the foo patent). Some
> > countries do not recognise this patent, an
> > educational or research exemption may apply,
> > you may be the patent holder, the patent
> > may have expired, or you may have aquired
> > rights via licensing. Seek legal help if you
> > need advice concerning your rights. If unsure,
> > say N.
>
> I expect this was said in jest, but it would be delightful to see this
> done for real. To the best of my knowlege it's uncharted territory,
> so perhaps what you suggest _would_ be upheld in a court of law as
> permissible?
>

This approach would turn Linux into proprietary software.


- James
--
James Morris
<jmorris@xxxxxxxxxx>


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