Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!seismo!rutgers!meccts!meccsd!mecc!sewilco From: sewilco@mecc.UUCP (Scot E. Wilcoxon) Newsgroups: sci.crypt Subject: Re: encryption with public keys Message-ID: <758@mecc.UUCP> Date: Fri, 26-Dec-86 18:45:21 EST Article-I.D.: mecc.758 Posted: Fri Dec 26 18:45:21 1986 Date-Received: Sat, 27-Dec-86 10:38:43 EST References: <3072@ihuxf.UUCP> <9001@duke.duke.UUCP> <7447@utzoo.UUCP> <230@gaia.UUCP> <2050@jade.BERKELEY.EDU> Reply-To: sewilco@mecc.UUCP (Scot E. Wilcoxon) Organization: Minn Ed Comp Corp, St. Paul Lines: 23 Summary: Public-domain RSA program probably is not possible. In article <2050@jade.BERKELEY.EDU> newton2@topaz.berkeley.edu.UUCP () writes: >... >Anyway, the original posting to sci.crypt concerned someone writing and >publishing a public domain RSA package- you sure don't need a lawyer to >do *that*. Patents reserve the right to make, use and sell artifacts >which are narrowly and explicitly defined in the claims of the patent. >... Software can be seen as a manufactured device, but copies are cheap and easy to make. A peculiar combination which some lawyer probably finds interesting. An individual can make a patented device for personal use. I think patent law otherwise prohibits making a patented device, so even manufacturing without a profit or without even knowing of the patent is illegal. Making a public-domain RSA program is probably illegal. Anyone can make one for personal use , but probably your company can't use it. Publishing one seems the same as manufacturing it without a profit. -- Scot E. Wilcoxon Minn Ed Comp Corp {quest,dayton,meccts}!mecc!sewilco (612)481-3507 sewilco@MECC.COM ihnp4!meccts!mecc!sewilco National Enquirer seers: 4 Reality: 360