On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 22:35, Justin Clift wrote: > Hi all, > > We should put this on the front page of the OOo site _very soon_ > shouldn't we? > > i.e. It's *extremely* relevant to OOo directly and wider awareness may > assist in getting this blocked.
This identical patent application was lodged over a year ago in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and In the EU... I have actually obtained a hard copy of the Australian application, complete with the specifications and a sample printout of the actual XML file. There are some immediate differences, the main aspect of which is that the patent is for XML *contained in a single file*, not several files contained in an archive. The difference is sufficient to make a claim of prior art on the basis of the OO.o/OD file formats difficult at the least. It also means that MS would have difficulty claiming any IP infringement by those using OO.o/OD file formats. That said, as many people as possible should now write to their patent office, first find out the patent application number, and formally lodge n objection, basing their objection on the use of XML in other similar applications. Make certain you point to the OD file specs. BTW. While the patent applications have been accepted, the patent itself has not yet been granted, and it is now, during this period, that the Patent Offices are receiving objections. > > Regards and best wishes, > > Justin Clift > -- Alex Fisher Co-Lead, CD-ROM Project OpenOffice.org Marketing Community Contact Australia/New Zealand http://distribution.openoffice.org/cdrom/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
