On Fri, Dec 05, 2003 at 12:36:02AM -0400, Trevor Smith wrote: > OK, wait a minute... > > There is no *legal* way to listen to MP3s in Linux? There is no free > player? As far as I know, that is correct. > What exactly is the licensing issue we're talking about here? It's twofold: 1. The algorithms used in encoding and decoding mp3-compressed audio are covered by patents owned by Fraunhofer, and licensed by Thomson (http://www.mp3licensing.com/help/developer.html#1). For a decoder like Xmms, the cost is a flat, one-time fee of $50,000 (http://www.mp3licensing.com/royalty/index.html). For example, Nullsoft paid this fee to be able to distribute WinAmp. 2. Even if the creators of Xmms did pay the fee, distributors like Redhat would not then be able to distribute their software under the terms of the GPL. Clause 7 of the GPL states: "For example, if a patent license would not permit royalty-free redistribution of the Program by all those who receive copies directly or indirectly through you, then the only way you could satisfy both it and this License would be to refrain entirely from distribution of the Program." Essentially, Xmms, Zinf, and the other free and Free software MP3 players are betting that Thomson will never come after them. Redhat (wisely, IMHO) decided not to take that bet. -- Tim Lesher <tim@xxxxxxxxx> http://www.lesher.ws
