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Subject: ODF Reciprocal License Allegation
Hi all, Pamela Jones of Groklaw.net just contacted me about the license of the OpenDocument format. She pointed out a blog from Microsoft's Brian Jones: http://blogs.msdn.com/brian_jones/archive/2005/09/22/472826.aspx <MS Brian Jones quote> While we're on this topic, I think it's important that you all take a look at the comparable situation with Open Document. A lot of folks just seem to assume that since it's a standard, there are no IP issues and everything is very straightforward. Well, take a look at this: http://www.oasis-open.org/committees/office/ipr.php Sun seems to be saying that it may have IP in the Open Document spec. While Sun says it is willing to provide a royalty-free license, one would still need to ask Sun for a license. The license is not posted. It would be interesting to see, and I'll probably try to see if I can find it. The statement on the site alone reveals that at a minimum, they have at least one condition – you have to give Sun a reciprocal license. </quote> <OOo Discuss quote> We need a response to this MS allegation that there are IP issues with ODF. And whether ODF is GPL-compatible. It is hard to imagine it not being GPL compatible, since it's being used by KOffice, which is GPL. I hope Gary can give us an answer. </quote> Any thoughts on this? Before the day is out i will try to speak with Peter Quinn, the CIO of Massachusetts about this. No doubt Microsoft hopes this issue falls right on his head. But i think the OpenDoc TC has to be prepared to respond. ~ge~ |
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