I've just got some very nice freeware Delphi code that extends the
TGraphic support in Delphi to include the various GIF files formats (have
a look at http://www.melander.dk/delphi/gifimage/ if you are interested).
Part and parcel with the GIF format is the incredibly convoluted issue of
the Unisys (and IBM and BT) patents, and the royalty demands that go with
the turf.
After reading various diatribes on the subject I can find no firm
information on the following questions:
1. Do the Unisys patents in various countries apply in New Zealand?
2. Even if the above is true would I be required (under NZ law) to obtain
a licence the just decode and display a GIF encoded image?
3. Does else in the group work with GIF read or producing code and have
they encountered any problems in this area?
It would be very simple to either ignore GIF support completely, or to
just quietly include it anyway and see if any lawyers come knocking. But
having some small, fast and elegant Delphi code available makes for a
great temptation to use it so I had to start asking these questions.
Cheers, Max.
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