CompuServe Messages

#GIF development

    01-Jan-95 22:46:45
Sb: #144412-#GIF development
Fm: James Coulter[Mindscape] 73670,677
To: Joe MacRae 76702,1302
I find it precarious that anyone could patent the GIF format, given that so many shareware and freeware applications have been developed which make use of the format. If a _new_ format specification is being developed, how can the _old_ format be copyrighted for royalty? Besides, I can't imagine anyone trying to prosecute the developers of all those little (and big) apps. Does this mean my copies of DTA and Alchemy are no good? — James E. Coulter —