[asterisk-users] Some queries on g729 license.

[Jerry]

>> What about the free open source G729
>
> There's no such thing ... g.729 (as per the ITU specification) is patent
> encumbered. Anyone USING the codec has to pay a license to the patent
> holders.

I believe (this may have changed) that ANY patented technology can be used
for free educationally. The idea is that people can study and play with
the technology for no charge. I'm not sure if this means that a University
can use this in their phone system without paying the patent fees, though.

Now, certainly there can be "open source" versions of the G.729 codec.
They can even be "free" in the sense that the author is not charging. But
the author can't waive the patent rights.

Intel has a freely downloadable codec for educational use, but they have a
long legalese document which explains the patent obligations.

If you are using G.729 commercially, there is no question you have a legal
obligation to pay the patent holder for his rights.

J