RE: [Algorithms] pissing in the well [was: Collision detection patent]

[Akbar A. <sye...@ea...>]

what about non-profit software or "free" software?
can the company's that hold patents effect us as well?
for ex.
if i release a chunk of software that uses a "patented" routine.
could that company in theory target _ME_ in court?
how does patent infringement court cases even work in the software field.
Big Corporate Company versus small independent developer?
are these even heard of?
what about countersealing by saying that the patent is "logical" or was
going to come anyways?

suppose i _DO_ release that software with the patented routines, could they
sue me?

i have heard some people getting worried about company's taking there homes,
cars, etc..
is this _really_ possible ?

thanks,
akbar A.

"We want technology for the sake of the story, not for its own sake. When
you look back, say 10 years from now, current technology will seem quaint"
Pixars' Edwin Catmull.