On Wed, Sep 13, 2000 at 12:57:10PM -0700, Sean 'Shaleh' Perry wrote: > On 13-Sep-2000 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Sorry to bring up this subject again. > > I just wanted to know that can't mp3 encoders be distributed from a non-us > > site where the policies are much more relaxed ? > > > the patents are held in Germany. This restricts us because most countries in > Europe accept them.
We would have a mirroring problem in any case, but that would still not rule out hosting them in (and for) countries that don't allow these kinds of patents. Speaking for the Netherlands: you can't patent maths/software here. European patents are also not automatically valid here, you still have to apply for the patent. However, there's a fast track for european patents, so the application could just be a formality. What happens if such a formality clashes with the local laws is an interesting question. Searching the Dutch patent database, I couldn't find the relevant patents, but that might be because I don't know which are the relevant patents. Anyone have some numbers? http://nl.espacenet.com/ for Dutch patents, replace the nl with a different country code if you're interested. Oh, and of course IANAL. -- The idea is that the first face shown to people is one they can readily accept - a more traditional logo. The lunacy element is only revealed subsequently, via the LunaDude. [excerpted from the Lunatech Identity Manual] -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]