Michael Everson wrote:
A representative of ISO sent this to me today.
I do not know about ANSI but for ISO/CS the quote given below from
http://www.iso.org/iso/en/prods-services/iso3166ma/02iso-3166-code-lists/ind
ex.html is certainly correct.
We make a distinction between implementation and commercial use.
I have no idea how they manage to get their heads around this one.
Anyone can buy the standard - or download the codes from our website free of
charge - and use them within their company for any application they want
without having to pay any licence fee due to ISO.
However, if you load the list of country codes and names in a commercial
product, thus giving an added value to your product, we consider it normal
that ISO asks for the payment of a royalty fee. Purchasing an electronic
copy (e.g. one of the MSAccess databases) from our Web store gives you only
the same right i.e. if you want to create a for sale product licence fees
can apply. (But one can choose another possibility which is to let customers
download the country codes.)
Implementations like drop-down lists on webpages or the use of ISO 3166-1
codes in software implementing other standards which quote ISO 3166-1 as
normative reference is of course not subject to a licence fee.
I am not an expert on these matters and I would suggest that you contact Mr
Chabot to discuss details with him should you have
further need for clarification.
