codec support

[Darryl Moore]

On Thu, 2006-08-03 at 18:08 -0400, Peter Whittaker wrote:

> IANAL and I do not play one on TV, but my understanding is that a patent
> gives the holder an absolute implementation on all implementations of
> the patented art: You are not entitled to roll your own, even for
> personal use. Or, more to the point, knock yourself out but be prepared
> to be asked to pay a license or get sued or both.
> 

Hmmm, not personal use per se, but experimental use is OK
http://www.blakes.com/english/publications/brip/article.asp?A_ID=188&DB=blakesProperty

There is still the question of software patents in canada. The one case
I am aware of in canada confirmed that software patents are NOT valid.