doesn't follow. it's entirely possible to understand why people bother
with patents and still believe that IETF shouldn't support their use to
prevent free implementation of a standard.
There's an interesting dilemma here. I know of one case where some
IETFers tried *hard* -- and persuaded their employers -- that an
algorithm they invented should be patent-free. But someone else
asserted that his patent *might* cover their invention -- and, since
their employers wouldn't profit from a patent-free protocol, they
wouldn't stand behind it if it went to court, or even to lawyers at 20
paces. That is: no patent and no profit => no strong backing.
one of the major problems with the patent system is that it all but
forces competition even when it's not desirable.
which is why I don't blame companies (or individuals!) for patenting
things and licensing them on a "don't sue us, we won't sue you" basis.
(which seems to me to be entirely compatible with RF)
Keith