[vtk-developers] Re: [vtkusers] Re: Packaging vtk: patents

[Berk Geveci]

In VTK, the only code that is patented is the mpeg2 encoder. All the
other patented algorithms were either replaced or their patents
expired. The inclusion of mpeg2 in VTK is an oversight. We will make
it an external dependency in the next patch of VTK 5. I would suggest
waiting until then to include VTK in a distribution.

-berk

On 12/28/06, Axel Thimm <Axel.Thimm at atrpms.net> wrote:
> On Tue, Sep 12, 2006 at 01:08:30PM -0400, Ken Martin wrote:
> > > > an important issue with packaging and offering vtk packages in some
> > > > countries is whether it contains any patented code. I've read about
> > > > expired patents and algorithms removed due to not yet expired
> > > > patents, but what about the mpeg2 encoding support?
> > > >
> > > > Doesn't this include patented software/algrothms that the MPEGLA
> > > > requires loyalities for?
> > > >
> > > > If yes, could it perhaps be shipped seperately, so source and binary
> > > > packages can be completely patent-free?
> > >
> > > could someone please comment on the patent issues? mpeg and otherwise?
> >
> > I don't believe mpeg code should ever have been moved into VTK. Our policy
> > as of a couple years ago has been to not put patented code into VTK but have
> > them be optional third party libraries that you must download separately.
> > Clearly that is not the case any more :(
>
> you are referring to the mpeg part, which can still be removed for
> packaging purposes (and indeed in upcoming vtk releases it would be
> nice to keep it as a separate tarball).
>
> But what about the other patents regarding some algorithms like
> Marching Cubes and friends? There is a FAQ entry on this:
>
> http://www.vtk.org/Wiki/VTK_FAQ#What_is_the_deal_with_the_patents
>
> But it refers to vtk4 and mentions the Patented subfolder which does
> not exist anymore. Have all these patented algorithms either
>
> o expired
> o been replaced by non-patented equivalents
> o are waived for vtk use?
>
> IANAL, but probably the patents held by Kitware are not a problem as
> they are releasing the software under an open source license
> themselves. But what about patents by the General Electric Company?
>
> Please help me get the patent issue resolved so vtk can become part of
> Fedora. Thanks!
> --
> Axel.Thimm at ATrpms.net
>
>
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-- 
 Berk Geveci
 Kitware Inc.
 28 Corporate Drive
 Clifton Park, NY, 12309