Open/Free Licenses (was: propose: `cypherpunks license' (Re: Wanted: Twofish source code))

[shap@eros.cis.upenn.edu]

> There are other reasons to apply for a patent. One of the best ones is
> to defend yourself from the Patent Office granting a patent for your
> invention to someone else.

Doug:

Please go reread my comments about disclosures.  It is altogether
unnecessary to file a patent to provide such a defense.  An inventor
must show novelty.  Proof of prior invention is universally agreed to
be sufficient to cause a patent to be unenforcable against the earlier
inventor, their assignees, and their licensees.  It is therefore
sufficient to publish a disclosure.  It is highly advisable to have
your legal counsel keep a copy on your behalf and make note of its
arrival date as proof of the date of publication.


shap