Augusto Sellhorn wrote:
>
> Maybe a little bit off topic, but does anybody know if it's "legal" to
> do
> this ? I remember reading something about Unisys charging people that
> created
> gifs with "unlicensed" software. Does an enconder like Acme's violate
> this ?
Yep. See http://corp2.unisys.com/LeadStory/lzwfaq.html
However, I think the reality is that if the software never sees the light
of day outside your organization, you're safe in that Unisys should have no
way of finding out and suing you. They do give away free licenses for
freeware, however. I don't know if software developed for internal usage
counts as freeware. However, to quote:
"For example, the typical Unisys license for standalone software
does NOT permit copying, modification, resale, use on a server
or in a network, or use for Internet/Intranet/Extranet or Web
site operation."
Which kind of translates to "cannot be used anywhere" inside a modern
enterprise.
Like all patents, it really boils down to what you can get away with.
Unless you have a license from UNISYS, and even if you do, chances are
you're breaking either the law or your license (if it reads as above).
I, however, am not a lawyer and this should ne be construed as legal advice.
--
Ethan Henry [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Java Evangelist, KL Group http://www.klg.com
"Software Development Productivity"
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