Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!henry
From: henry@utzoo.UUCP (Henry Spencer)
Newsgroups: sci.crypt
Subject: Re: encryption with public keys
Message-ID: <7453@utzoo.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 29-Dec-86 21:49:51 EST
Article-I.D.: utzoo.7453
Posted: Mon Dec 29 21:49:51 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 29-Dec-86 21:49:51 EST
References: <3072@ihuxf.UUCP> <9001@duke.duke.UUCP> <7447@utzoo.UUCP>
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
Lines: 20

> An individual can make a patented device for personal use. ...
> Making a public-domain RSA program is probably illegal.  Anyone can make
> one for personal use...

I implore people to get professional advice before making major decisions
based on this.  My understanding is that the patent laws, as opposed to the
copyright laws, do *not* contain any such "fair use" exemption.  It is, of
course, unlikely that RSA will (a) find out about or (b) sue about such use,
but technically they could.

> 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.

As I understand it (again, consult a professional before doing anything
drastic), whether you make (or intended to make) a profit is irrelevant,
as is whether you knew about the patent.
-- 
				Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology
				{allegra,ihnp4,decvax,pyramid}!utzoo!henry