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Re: Possible RFC 3683 PR-action

2008-03-25 14:57:45
Russ Housley <housley(_at_)vigilsec(_dot_)com> writes:

Simon:

Raising a technical problem anonymously does not seem to be a
concern.  However, there could be significant IPR problems with
anonymous solutions to technical problems.

What kind of problems?

If there is IPR associated with a potential solution, then a 
malicious person could use an anonymous posting to avoid the NOTE 
WELL.  This would allow the IPR holder could reasonably claim that 
they were unaware that the IETF was considering the use of their 
encumbered technology. Thus, they would not make an IPR statement. 

Are there examples where something like that may have been attempted?

Jorge has explained why the NOTE WELL is binding for all IETF
contributors in:

https://rt.psg.com/Ticket/Display.html?id=1239

That discussion appears to apply equally well to an anonymous
contributor.

If we learned that the anonymous posting actually came from person was
affiliated with the IPR holder, then there is legal recourse.  My
point is that by avoiding anonymous posting, the likelihood of such
abuse is significantly reduced.

I think the point would be valid if there were significant abuse today.

/Simon
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