Re: [Trisquel-users] why don't free systems support mp3?

[onpon4]

The reason many free systems don't support MP3s is because of software  
patents (which are simply a bad thing; that software patents are no good is  
universally recognized by software developers). Because the format is  
patented, distro makers that include the free software that can play MP3  
files could be sued, so often they choose one of two options: either they  
choose not to support MP3 at all, or they include nonfree software which is  
safe for them to include (because it's been authorized by the patent  
holders).

Trisquel, however, is developed from Spain, where there are no software  
patents, so the free software for playing MP3s is included.

That's my understanding of it, at least. If I'm wrong, someone please correct  
me.