Re: [Gimp-print-devel] Article: adaptive methods for dithering color images

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> Isn't it better just to let possible patent holders send a 
> "cease and desist" letter asking us to stop using their patented methods?

I don't think so.  It would mean having to go back and rip out a lot of
working code if such a letter actually arrived.  It's a lot of work which
is better avoided.  It's actually simpler and easier to check if it's
patented.  If it is, that's still not a show-stopper.  Some patent holders
grant royalty-free licenses to free software.

> If we don't look we are not willingly infringing the patent?

That's not really true.

> I think I've seen this advice from someone somewhere.

Yeah, I've seen it posted on various "IANAL" slashdot comments.  Not really
the best place for legal advice.

The only difference this can possibly make is that the patent holder could
sue for extra damages if we knew we were in violation of the patent.  He
can still sue for the normal amount of damages even if we had truly never
heard of him before.  Trust me, whether he gets tripple damages or just
single damages doesn't matter to people like us, it could spell bankruptcy
either way.

It's better to check.

Eric