Re: SELinux to GPL or not to GPL

[forrest whitcher <fw@fwsystems.com>]

On Thu, 06 Jun 2002 16:46:19 -0700 (unchecked - local sync NTPstrat4)
Crispin Cowan <crispin@wirex.com> did inscribe thusly:

> This is misinformation. What JMJones says applies to TRADEMARK, not 
> patents. Patent holder's rights endure, regardless of prior actions. See 
> the UNISYS/GIF patent fiasco.

I have to differ on this.

I've worked for 20 years in medical devices, in areas where virtually no
device can be developed without consideration of your own and competitors's
patents.

Our patent attorneys were very clear on the effects of not persuing 
violations, you can effectively lose much of the value of your patent
not doing so.

This does not imply that the patent will become invalid, rather that
your ability to obtain a judgement in court will be hampered if you 
fail to inform / take action wrt violators.

Effectively a competitor may be able to practice your patent *until*
you inform them. probably without financial penalty. (That said, if
a court later finds that a violator of a patent undertook the violation
knowingly you're looking at treble-damages)

forrest

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