Alan, 

Of course, one should always attribute.  But there is another question here. 
Suppose somebody patents a structure or protocol without implementing it.  I 
independently discover the thing, or something closely related, and 
implement it to see how it works in practice, how it fits with existing 
stuff, etc.  In the tradition of scientific publication, I want not only to 
write up the results but also release the source so others can play with the 
idea, experiment, extend, etc.  I've got no interest in selling the thing or 
exploiting it commercially.  Question: have I infringed the patent, am I 
liable for damages, etc?  It would be really nasty to get sued for writing a 
paper... 

Best,
Rick. 

Alan Kay writes: 

> I don't think you do need the agreement. But it is the tradition of 
> science to always give attribution to the creators of the ideas. So "use 
> and attribute". 
> 
> Cheers, 
> 
> Alan 
> 
> ----- 
> 
> At 7:08 PM +0200 5/25/03, Hans Nikolaus Beck wrote:
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>> 
>> Hi, 
>> 
>> if I want to implement  an algorithm or visualization technique in an 
>> open source project  (in fact: squeak) which was presented  in a public 
>> paper (in this case IEEE Computer Graphics & Visualization), do I need 
>> the agreement of the authors ? That's a question related to the current 
>> situation of software patents and copyright as given by law of USA.  My 
>> feeling says: I need the agreement. 
>> 
>> Greetings 
>> 
>> 
>> Hans
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>  
> 
> --  
> 
 


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