"zBog BIV" bogdanb.frie0606@spambob.net wrote:
Can someone license the use of a patent to others as long they don't try to enforce their own patents ?
I think one can, as long as one makes it conditional only on not attempting to enforce their patents *against that software*. Otherwise, it is contaminating other software (and maybe hardware and actions too!) which is more clearly a problem when using the Debian Free Software Guidelines, but I think it may be a problem for the Free Software Definition's consequences. At best, it's a practical pain in the bum.
Also, I really dislike "Intellectual Property" licences that attempt to use copyright to enforce patent clauses - only the patent licences should terminate against patents, to avoid exporting software patent harm to places which would otherwise be free from them. I think GPLv3 may be such an Intellectual Property licence, but I haven't reminded myself about it today. I don't think that necessarily stops it being a free software licence, but combined Intellectual Property licensing seems a surprising, dangerous path to be walking.
Hope that helps,