[FFmpeg-devel] FOMS 2009 FFmpeg outbrief

[Jean-Michel Pouré]

On Thu, 2009-01-22 at 11:55 +1100, Peter Ross wrote:
>    "It would be nice to build FFmpeg with all patent encumbered
>     codecs/containers disabled."

Patents are only claims. Registering a patent is not a proof that the
patent is valid. Also, in many countries including Europe, patents
cannot apply on algorithm or when reverse engeneering is needed to read
your own files, for example camcorder files. 

A lot of companies are registering would-be patents only to slow-down
innovation or acquire the work of others. Disabling patent claims would
mean accepting would-be claims. 

So please don't come-up with an issue that you don't seem to understand.