Re: [Patents] OpenGL besieged by MS patents

[Mattias Lundström <mattias.lundstrom@digitalroute.com>]

Some additional info on this.

Microsoft did buy a number of 3D patents from SGI a few months back.
See eg article in the Register
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/54/23708.html

The current discussion about OpenGL started when Microsoft started discussions
at the last ARB meeting. The minutes are available on the web at
http://www.opengl.org/developers/about/arb/notes/meeting_note_2002-06-18.html
--- extract ---
 Microsoft believes they have patent rights relating to the ARB_vertex_program 
extension. They did not contribute to the extension, but are trying to be 
upfront about it. They're offering to license their IP under reasonable and 
nondiscriminatory terms; will license rights to the extent necessary, provided a 
reciprocal license is granted to MS. Granted on 1:1 basis for OpenGL 1.3, 1.4, 
and earlier versions. Contact Dave Aronson for more specifics. Suzy asked Dave 
to circulate his statement to the participants' list.
---------------

Since Microsoft has not yet specified the licensing terms the impact is
unknown, but it is definitely worrying.

-- Mattias

PILCH Hartmut wrote:
> According to
>
>         http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/35/26156.html
>
> former SGI patents have changed owners, making 3D graphic processing
> under GNU/Linux dependent on the mercy of Microsoft.  Some developpers
> are quoted describing how the sky is already falling on them.
>
> More on Microsoft and patents is being collected at
>
>         http://swpat.ffii.org/players/microsoft/