[JDEV] New Patent Policy at W3C

[Scott Cote]

Ashvil,

If a technology is covered by a patent then its subject to royalties and
such.
The existance of a standard has no effect on that (unless the standard was
created first, then of course it's prior art). The W3C is only attempting to
protect devlopers (by way of early disclosure) that are implementing
standards.

> I am a co-founder of  a software company and I don't see patents as a good
> thing. I am pro-IP too ...

The good or evil of patents themselves are a whole different issue, but as a
founder of a software company I imagine you're aware getting funding from
VC's or later investment bankers is very often tied to he holding of
patents.

-Scott