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RE: Proposed Update to Note Well

2012-06-22 17:36:49
I'd like to comment a bit on patent ownership/control/etc.  Patents are
"assigned" by the (US) patent office, usually, these days, to the company
for whom the inventor works.  "Ownership" is not a term used.  "Control" can
be problematic, if the inventor changes employment.  If you invent something
for which a patent is issued and assigned to your company, then you change
employment, then neither you nor the company you currently work for
"control" that patent.  But you should probably still disclose the patent.

I'd vote for

  If you are aware that a contribution of yours is covered by
  patents, you need to disclose that fact.

-----Original Message-----
From: ietf-bounces(_at_)ietf(_dot_)org 
[mailto:ietf-bounces(_at_)ietf(_dot_)org] On Behalf Of Bob
Hinden
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 8:14 AM
To: IETF
Cc: Bob Hinden; IETF Announce
Subject: Re: Proposed Update to Note Well


Russ,

I like that it is shorter, but I think it might be a little too short.  That
is, I think it needs to be clearer what is a contribution and then mention
patents.  For example:

  If you write, say, or discuss anything in the IETF, formally or
informally,
  that is considered "a contribution" to the IETF.  If you believe this is
covered by a patent
  or patent application you or your employer own, one of you must disclose
  that.

Thanks,
Bob


On Jun 21, 2012, at 3:10 PM, IETF Chair wrote:

The IESG has heard many complaints that the Note Well is too complex.
After some discussion with counsel, we propose the following updated Note
Well for your comment and review.  The below summary would be followed with
a pointer to or text of more details, which will depend upon whether it's a
meeting slide, on the web site, on the registration page, or on a
mailing-list greeting.

On behalf of the IESG,
 Russ Housley
 IETF Chair

--------------------------------------

NOTE WELL

In summary:

  By participating with the IETF, you agree to follow IETF processes.

  If you write, say, or discuss anything in the IETF, formally or
informally,
  (all of which we call "a contribution") that you know is covered by a
patent
  or patent application you or your employer own, one of you must disclose
  that.

  You understand that meetings might be recorded and broadcast.

This would be followed with a pointer to or text of more details,
which will depend upon whether it's a meeting slide, on the web site,
on the registration page, or on a mailing-list greeting.