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From: ernest@pegasus.dsg.tandem.com (Ernest Hua)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics
Subject: Is XGIF and XV in violation of GIF licensing agreement?
Message-ID: <1991May28.185838.5409@tandem.com>
Date: 28 May 91 18:58:38 GMT
Sender: news@tandem.com
Organization: Tandem Computers, Inc.
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Nntp-Posting-Host: pegasus.dsg.tandem.com

Given the section in the GIF specifications on licensing, aren't "xgif" and
"xv" (and all other programs that can read and/or write GIF format that do not
print some acknowledgement of Compuserve's SM to the screen) in violation of
this licensing agreement?

1.  If I were to write an X application with an ability to read GIF file
format(s), am I really required to print an acknowledgement?

2.  If so, to which screen?  Is it sufficient to do a printf() (in which case,
a window manager menu start up will likely not show this message at all)?

This is serious business, and it appears that ...

    A.  Compuserve has not revised their licensing agreement to be specific
        enough about how to comply.

    B.  Not too many people are concerned about compliance.

-- 
Ernest Hua, Associate Design Engineer                         ernest@tandem.com
Tandem Computers, 19333 Vallco Parkway, Cupertino, CA  95014       408-285-5580