Re: How can we submit code patches that implement our (pending)patents? - Mailing list pgsql-hackers

On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 02:02:40PM -0500, Nico Williams wrote:
> On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 01:12:19PM -0400, Bruce Momjian wrote:
> > On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 11:27:49AM -0500, Nico Williams wrote:
> > > Perhaps patent law [in some countries] requires contracts as opposed to
> > > licenses?
> > 
> > Yes, I really don't know.  I have just seen enough "oh, we didn't think
> > of that" to be cautious.
> 
> So, is it FUD?  The core needs paid-for legal advice, not speculation.
> 
> I'm quite certain that a software license can make a patent grant to the
> satisfaction of many open source communities, and almost certainly to
> the satisfaction of the PG community.  But it will take an IP lawyer to
> review or write such a license.

And is the payback worth it?  Many don't think so.

-- 
  Bruce Momjian  <bruce@momjian.us>        http://momjian.us
  EnterpriseDB                             http://enterprisedb.com

+ As you are, so once was I.  As I am, so you will be. +
+                      Ancient Roman grave inscription +