XPS printing in Vista

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Following the links

John, maybe the links resolve differently inside of Microsoft.

[url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/xps/xpsspec.mspx]The specification link[/url] leads to a standard trade-secret nondisclosure agreement which specifically disclaims any patent use authorization and requires agreement to eyes-only distribution, nondisclosure of contents, destruction of copies following merger or acquisition, etc.

It doesn't require royalties, though -- you're right about that.

The [url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/xps/xpscommunitypromise.mspx]Community Promise[/url] requires the agreement of anyone practicing the "necessary patents" as long as they are fully compliant with the required elements of the specification -- one slip, and Steve owns you. Further, it requires personal agreement to the terms by anyone practicing those patents, which means (IANAL) the actual end-users.

In effect, then, anyone who uses a Minolta printer has to enter into a covenant not to sue Microsoft for patent infringement or else, again, Steve owns them.

Now, that is really "viral." I'm truly impressed.

Of course, the usual disclaimers apply: I am not a lawyer, I don't play one on TalkBacks, before practicing any of the patents at issue consult a licensed patent attorney, etc.

Posted by: Yagotta B. Kidding   Posted on: 04/10/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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