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Re: SIFT image descriptor patch
From: |
Andy Adler |
Subject: |
Re: SIFT image descriptor patch |
Date: |
Wed, 28 Dec 2005 10:53:49 -0500 (EST) |
On Wed, 28 Dec 2005, Stefan van der Walt wrote:
> Maybe someone who understands patent laws better can enlighten me, but
> why woud anyone do further research on an algorithm that has been
> patented?
Plenty of reasons. Most importantly you may want to
- test the algorithm to see how well it works
- test other algorithms against it
- use parameters calculated this way to do other research
While there is a "tradition" of doing research on patented algorithms,
but there is no general "research only" exception to infringement.
Thus, it is _probably_ ok if you use their algorithm to test against
your research results if
- you don't gain financially from it
- you don't vicariously contribute to someone elses infringement
This is especially true since the author published his code on the
internet.
Of course, it is only _probably_ OK.
NB: I'm not a lawyer.
--
Andy Adler <address@hidden> 1(613)562-5800x6218
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