Re: [Fsfe-uk] Avoiding having to use proprietary software and closed formats

[Shane M. Coughlan]

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Sam Liddicott wrote:
> I would cast it as an exception as it sounds more reasonable, as you are
> protecting yourself against requirements so vaguely specified that you
> may not be able to fulfil them anyway - who knows what they may specify:
> 
>   excluding proprietary or closed formats or formats covered by patent
> which may then present a burden on the contractor or PCT.
> 
> No doubt the PCT is not knowingly intending to oblige you to provide
> data in formats so contrained anyway, so maybe they will have little
> problem with such an addition.

I second this.  I think the turn of phrase here is non-threatening, and
is almost self-explanatory when it comes to justifying open standards.
It would be worthwhile having a prepared speech explaining when *not*
adopting closed or patented formats will help the PCT.

Regards

Shane

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