Re: [Cdn-DMCA] Dolby letter to Netbsd.ORG re: "ac3dec"

From: Michael Richardson <mcr _-at-_ sandelman.ottawa.on.ca>
To: No DMCA in Canada <canada-dmca-opponents (at) flora.org>
Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2001 12:30:48 -0400

>>>>> "aland" == aland  <aland@striker.ottawa.on.ca> writes:
    aland> Russell McOrmond <russell@flora.ca> wrote:
    >> Is there any response from the NetBSD folks other than the posting of
    >> these scans?

    aland>   I imagine they're checking with their lawyers.

  It is now slashdot'ed, and also on 
     http://www.heise.de/newsticker/data/kav-08.08.01-000/

  A draft response has been issued and a lawyer has been consulted.

    aland>   In summary, unless the lawyers allege that you've violated specific,
    aland> named, laws; then the letter is nothing more than a threat.

  This is precisely what has been asked.

    aland> - Is the ac3dec code a reproduction of Dolby's licensed code?

  no.

    aland> - Is the ac3dec name infringing on Dolby's trademark for AC-3?

  no trademark infringement was alleged.

    aland> - Is the algorithm implemented in ac3dec protected by one of Dolby's patents?

  maybe, but URLs to places where you can download code is not code.

    aland> - If the code in ac3dec the result of reverse engineering of Dolby's
    aland>   code, using knowledge of Dolby's intellectual property?
    aland>   (i.e. by someone under NDA, or under a license agreement)

  no, someone read the algorithm.

]       ON HUMILITY: to err is human. To moo, bovine.           |  firewalls  [
]   Michael Richardson, Sandelman Software Works, Ottawa, ON    |net architect[
] mcr@sandelman.ottawa.on.ca http://www.sandelman.ottawa.on.ca/ |device driver[
] panic("Just another NetBSD/notebook using, kernel hacking, security guy");  [
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