Re: [codec] WG Review: Internet Wideband Audio Codec (codec)

[Russ Housley <[e-mail]>]

Andy:

>> Although this preference cannot guarantee that the working
>> group will produce an unencumbered codec, the working group shall
>> attempt to adhere to the spirit of BCP 79.  This preference does not
>> explicitly rule out the possibility of adapting encumbered technologies;
>> such decisions will be made in accordance with the rough consensus of
>> the working group.
 >
> I appreciate the potential difficulty of guaranteeing the unencumbered
> status of any output of this group. However, I would like this statement to
> be stronger, saying that this group will only produce a new codec if it is
> strongly believed by WG rough consensus to either be unencumbered,
> or freely licensed by the IPR holder(s), if any.

I do not think that anyone wants the outcome to be yet another 
encumbered codec.  I think these words are trying to say what you want, 
but they are also trying to be realistic.

Does the following text strike a better balance?

   Although this preference cannot guarantee that the working
   group will produce an unencumbered codec, the working group shall
   follow BCP 79, and adhere to the spirit of BCP 79.  The working
   group cannot explicitly rule out the possibility of adapting
   encumbered technologies; however, the working group will try to
   avoid encumbered technologies that require royalties.

Russ