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

[Douglas Crockford]

> 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.

This assumes competence in both the Patent Office and the Courts. The
world should work the way you describe. Perhaps someday it will. It
doesn't now. 

This is my last comment on this sordid subject. Let's get back to the
far more interesting E conversation.