[theora-dev] Re: [libdv-dev] DV format patent status

[Mauricio Piacentini]

Ralph Giles wrote:
>>With DV in Ogg, I don't think this is an issue.  Mainly because if such 
>>a case existed for DV they'd go after the big guys.  The megacorps who 
>>are selling videocameras by the millions to everyone under the sun.
> 
> 
> Just like with GIF?

The point is that you are NEVER protected from litigation, pure and 
simply. SCO anyone? You always have to ultimately prove your point in 
court if someone sues you.

Of course trying to assess the field is a good idea, but in practice any 
code may be in violation of any number of obscure patents, and the only 
valid veredict is the courts, unfortunately.

So if you live on a country where software patents are valid, be 
prepared to defend yourself now or in the future. No previous research 
in the world can protect you IF a guy decides to suit you. I have 
several friends that have received letters from some law office. 
regarding a case where a guy was apparently granted a patent that, under 
his interpretation, gives him rights over any multiplayer card game 
played over a network. And yes, he IS trying to collect on this. The 
point is that if you are sued you have to settle or fight, stupid as it 
sounds. Read it at http://www.asharewarelife.com/2004_01_25_archive.html

They are even after Solitaire implementations, which is mind-blowing 
consider their patent is about multiplayer stuff.

Regards,
Mauricio

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