The packages libxine1, ffmpeg, include libfaad*, libx264* or another codec which implement the MPEG-4 Advanced Audio Coding and Advanced Video Coding standards. Unfortunately, these are patent encumbered in at least the USA, and many other countries. To distribute code implementing any of these patents, a license is required[1], assuming that the claimed patents are valid. This license requires signing an agreement and the payment of royalties, which hasn't been done AFAIK, and is contrary to policy. There is evidence of prior attempts of enforcement, specifically against FAAD at AudioCoding.com[2]. Further, it has been brought to my attention that a reasonable belief that patents are not valid is sufficient condition for being able to distribute software that comes under such a license (subject to ftp master agreement). This is the only evidence I could find supporting such a belief[3]. It does not appear that significant prior art exists for any/all of the MPEG-4 patents. There has been some discussion on the lists before about this issue with no particular conclusion[4].
So, what is the status of the distributability of this software. Matthew W. S. Bell [1] http://www.vialicensing.com/products/mpeg4audio/standard.html http://www.mpegla.com/avc/avc-agreement.cfm [2] http://minnie.tuhs.org/pipermail/mp3encoder/2000-November/000671.html [3] http://wiki.ffii.org/Ep12345678En [4] http://lists.debian.org/debian-legal/2006/03/msg00031.html http://lists.debian.org/debian-legal/2005/09/msg00012.html -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
