[Asterisk-Users] G.729 licensing/patent?

[Steve Underwood]

Roy Sigurd Karlsbakk wrote:

>> There are two groups of patents related to G.729 (and to other 
>> codecs, and to many other signal processing techniques, such as 
>> modems). There are patents for algorithms, and patents for signal 
>> processing apparatus. The ones about algorithms - generally 
>> computational techniques to speed it up - are not an issue outside 
>> the US. Even in the US they can generally be sidesteped, by using 
>> slower methods to achieve the same effect. The ones covering signal 
>> processing equipment exist in many markets, especially most of 
>> Europe. Whatever your view on software patents, as soon as you run a 
>> G.729 code somewhere you have a physical device infringing those 
>> patents.
>
>
> How can generic PC hardware be covered by a patent? It's just a piece 
> of software, that is, algorithms neatly put together with some control 
> etc.

Individual bits and pieces seldom are covered by patents. Its what 
happens when you put them all together into something useful that things 
change :-)

Steve