Patent drivel, was: Re: [Linuxsampler-devel] 24bit multi-io audio card compatibility, Was: CVS

[Robert J. <rob...@da...>]

Hi,

>
> Can we get back to linuxsampler technicals ?
>

I'm happy that you (as I) live in Europe where software patents are illegal. 
Though this will probably change...which is quite a failure.

I'm also happy that you have solid prior art for the sample loading technique.

But I think also think (as Mark mentioned) that you will just have to get used 
to people asking about how LS is affected by the patent. 
By now it's common knowledge that there exist patents in this area, so I would 
be surprised if people didn't ask.
Putting a FAQ on the site with some info might help.

As to the merits of the patent in question, I too agree that the patent is 
absurd and should never have been granted...but this happens all the time I'm 
afraid...

About the enforcability of the patent... I've heard numerous stories about the 
way the system works (both here in EU and in the US) and the truth is that it 
doesn't really matter whether you are right, unless you have _lots_ of cash 
to back up your claim.

Luckily we have the FSF that are willing to help in this situation, hopefully 
that would be enough.

---
Just look at the recent circus of SCO vs the World for a glimpse at how 
incredibly F***ed the world of lawyers and suits is.

There was a recent thread on music-dsp about patents in the audio arena that 
was very interesting.

---
Okay, enough ranting...
Keep up the coding, lets not worry about things that are beyond the 
comprehension of the average man :)

/Robert