Re: Normatively referenced specifications

[Dave Crocker <[e-mail]>]

On 12/18/2013 8:36 AM, Joel M. Halpern wrote:
> Dale, your interpretation is exactly the opposite of what I thought
> Dave was saying. Referencing a spec normally does not and ought not
> mean that the referencers IPR rules apply to the referenced
> specification.  They can't, since in the abstract the referencer has
> no control over the IPR grants of the referenced document.
>
> And IETF IPR grants apply when implementing IETF RFCs, even when
> those RFCs are implemented in conjunction with some other
> specification.  The IPR grants don't apply (as I understand it all
> bets are off) if you modify the spec.
>
> Equally, the IETF can not insist that our IPR rules apply to a spec
> we reference.


I think this confuses the nature of what our disclosure rules mean. For 
example, they don't mean that we are affecting some other standards
group.  Rather they affect decision-making within the IETF.

So, absent a clear consensus from legal experts who are familiar with 
the IETF's IPR rules, I disagree with Joel's assessment.


As I just posted on rtcweb:

> Normative language in a specification defines the syntax and
> semantics of the thing being specified.
>
> It does not make much sense to handle IPR differently for normative
> text that includes details by reference (citation) rather than by
> inline explication.  In terms of the syntax and semantics, the
> specification is an integrated whole.
>
> If there is an legal distinction between inline normative reference,
> versus citation-based inclusion, which is relevant to the
> interpretation of IETF IPR rules, then some lawyers should provide
> the community with expert opinions on the matter.
>
> Absent a clear and compelling presentation from legal experts, common
> sense needs to prevail in the IETF's interpretation of its rules.
>
> Our rule is quite simple:  participation obligates disclosure.


Here's a simple example:

   Assume I own a patent on a component technology that has been 
published somewhere other than the IETF.  The organization publishing 
that specification did not require me to divulge my intellectual 
property claims.

   I now participate in an important IETF effort that considers 
including the component technology, by citing it normatively.  I of 
course, work vigorously to get the IETF to adopt the technology, but no 
one know that I stand to make serious money if the technology is included.

Given the intent behind the IETF's IPR rules, it makes no sense to allow 
me to participate without divulging my IPR interest in the topic.

d/
-- 
Dave Crocker
Brandenburg InternetWorking
bbiw.net

-- 
Dave Crocker
Brandenburg InternetWorking
bbiw.net