Actually, when it comes to open-source, US patent law is relatively friendly. As I understand (but I'm not a lawyer), in the US, it's possible to file for a patent after an idea has been disclosed, but for many other countries a patent application must be filed before public disclosure.
Put it another way, US law doesn't put restrictions on discussing ideas, it just makes it hard to discuss *patents*. Real issues are caused by countries that put restrictions on discussing ideas, and the patent laws of such countries are the ones that really create issues for an open-source project like Android. For further precision, of course, you should talk to your friendly neighborhood international patent attorney. JBQ On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 11:42 AM, Mark Murphy<[email protected]> wrote: > > Al Sutton wrote: >> They alternative is what HTC, Nokia, etc. do, which is to base yourself >> outside the US so you can sell fully functional units to anyone not in >> the US and take part in discussions about any software/hardware concept >> you want. > > Agreed. While unfortunate, Google's policy is standard fare for many > US-based tech firms, particularly larger ones (e.g., ones with in-house > legal counsel). I've heard the same policy stated at a wide range of > firms, mostly "name brands". > >> this is hardly the position a company that claims to be open should take. > > Open versus closed has little to do with it. Being a large target and a > magnet for patent suits does. > > Of course, it would be lovely if a Google-sized enterprise would take a > shot at getting some of these things declared unconstitutional through > the courts, but we can't exactly blame them if they elect to eschew such > a strategy. > >> it doesn't strike me as logical that a google android engineer is given an >> incentive not to participate in discussions on a google android forum. > > You are welcome to petition your Congressperson, if applicable, to have > the laws amended. Or, donate to a cause that tries to minimize the > impact of software patents (e.g., EFF). > > -- > Mark Murphy (a Commons Guy) > http://commonsware.com | http://twitter.com/commonsguy > > Android App Developer Books: http://commonsware.com/books.html > > > > -- Jean-Baptiste M. "JBQ" Queru Android Engineer, Google. Questions sent directly to me that have no reason for being private will likely get ignored or forwarded to a public forum with no further warning. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Android Discuss" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-discuss?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
