[WEB4LIB] RE: GIFs, Unisys, and Greed

[Michael Sauers]

> Are you sure?  An article in New Scientist implies that while Unisys may
> not go after every user, the company feels that the responsibility lies
> with the end user, not the software developer.

This is a great case of bad information propagating itself...

>From the Unisys Web Site: http://www.unisys.com/unisys/lzw/

"Unisys has frequently been asked whether a Unisys license is required in
order to use LZW software obtained by downloading from the Internet or from
other sources. The answer is simple. In all cases, a written license
agreement or statement signed by an authorized Unisys representative is
required from Unisys for all use, sale or distribution of any software
(including so-called "freeware") and/or hardware providing LZW conversion
capability (for example, downloaded software used for creating/displaying
GIF images). In certain cases, no license fees may be required, but this
needs to be evidenced by a written agreement or written statement signed by
an authorized Unisys representative."

The license is just for the creation software, not for the GIF itself.

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Michael Sauers, Internet Trainer
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Opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.
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