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From: berggren@eecs.cs.pdx.edu (Eric Berggren)
Newsgroups: comp.misc
Subject: Re: AT&T owns X-windows ?? (was Re: Software Patents)
Message-ID: <1843@pdxgate.UUCP>
Date: 2 Mar 91 23:25:36 GMT
References: <820@puck.mrcu> <1804@pdxgate.UUCP> <1991Mar1.124740.26026@pmsmam.uucp> <1991Mar02.090410.24500@eecs.wsu.edu>
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pcooper@eecs.wsu.edu (Phil Cooper - CS495) writes:

>   Well, AT&T does not own X-Windows per se, but they do hold a patent on the
>back store method of refreshing windows in a GUI.  X-Windows (along with just
>about every other GUI system) uses back store techniques, and AT&T has
>recently decided to enforce that patent.  Sooo, it looks like a lot of 
>companies will be paying hefty licensing fees, which of course will be passed
>on to the consumers.  Screwed once again by the A-holes at AT&T.

  Grumble... grumble... grumble... I wonder where we would all be if
Gary Kildall (or somebody) decided to patent the idea of operating systems.
(I'm still curious as to the battle over the microprocessor patent)
  What exactly was the idea behind breaking up Ma Bell again? I keep
forgetting... :(

-e.b.
==============================================================================
  Eric Berggren             |  "The force of the 'Dark Side' eminates from 
  Computer Science/Eng.     |    the ominous DeathStar looming overhead." 
  berggren@eecs.cs.pdx.edu  |            - Down with AT&T! -