> The new TOS does not include a section on compulsory patent licensing. > I hope that this omission was unintended and will be rectified, as > software patents are a particular danger to open source developers.
Actually, it is more serious than the open source developers...and way more problematic than the complex and subtle interplay of the TOS and the TPVP. Without the "patent peace" clause it is possible for people to apply to patent content in SL. Which means scripts and combinations of objects and methods. This is potentially disastrous for SL creators and LL as their world could be wrapped up in patents that prevent the creation of new content. We could look forward to patents on "a method to simulate wearable realworld skirts using attached textured prims" - the prim skirt, and "a method to conduct meetings in virtual worlds among remote attendees" - the meeting room. And, of course none of the content would be of sufficient value to justify filing a defense over. Regards Jonathan Bishop _______________________________________________ Policies and (un)subscribe information available here: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/OpenSource-Dev Please read the policies before posting to keep unmoderated posting privileges
