Re: MP3 (was Re: [linux-audio-user] ogg for Windows made really easy)

On Sun, 2006-01-15 at 16:33 -0500, Lee Revell wrote:
> On Sun, 2006-01-15 at 15:23 -0600, Jan Depner wrote:
> > On Sun, 2006-01-15 at 14:55 -0500, Lee Revell wrote:
> > > On Sun, 2006-01-15 at 13:48 -0600, Jan Depner wrote:
> > > > I don't have any problem using mp3 (as demonstrated) but ogg is
> > > > superior in reproducing the sound of the original. If it weren't for
> > > > exactly what you pointed out I would much prefer using ogg.
> > >
> > > This reminds me, when do the MP3 patents expire? Because at that point,
> > > we'll have to switch everyone back to MP3...
> > >
> >
> > Good point, but I think Fraunhofer keeps extending them by adding
> > minor changes.
> >
>
> Hmm, can they really do that? At least I don't think US patent law
> allows it, otherwise the pharmaceutical companies would do the same
> thing to block generic drugs.
>
> And if so wouldn't an MP3 implementation based on the original expired
> patents be in the clear?
>

    I'm not entirely sure but there was a case that was mentioned on
Groklaw where the patent holder kept adding minor changes to lengthen
the duration of the patent. Luckily, in that case, he was defeated in
court.

-- 
Jan 'Evil Twin' Depner
The Fuzzy Dice
http://myweb.cableone.net/eviltwin69/fuzzy.html
"As we enjoy great advantages from the invention of others, we should be 
glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours, and 
this we should do freely and generously."
Benjamin Franklin, on declining patents offered by the governor of 
Pennsylvania for his "Pennsylvania Fireplace", c. 1744