OT: Media format patents and commercial installations

[David Timms]

Axel Thimm wrote:
> On Fri, May 26, 2006 at 08:00:47AM +1000, David Timms wrote:
>> I am interested in building FC5 based installations for commercial sale. 
>> One of the requirements is the capability to play back media of as many 
>> types as possible (eg using mplayer/xine/vlc). While Fedora core/extras 
>> can't contain patent encumbered nor non-open source software, in general 
>> terms is there anything to stop me selling such a box ?
>>
>> eg. for mpeg2 / 4 playback I could use the various libraries available. 
>> Does anyone know if other parties have been able to negotiate with the 
>> patent holders (I guess MPEG) individual licenses for linux machines ? 
> 
> Yes, I had been in contact with MPEGLA in a previous contract
> assignment.
> 
>> Is it hideously expensive ?
> 
> The costs are minimal. The pain is in the burocracy.
> 
Callum wrote:
 >> Linspire has done it. For their for-profit distribution. And yes, its
 >> hideously expensive.

Perhaps the license for a OS product is looked at differently from small 
runs (5-10) of OEM boxes (what I was anticipating).

Axel, is the costs protected under contract ? If not are you willing to 
state ball park figures eg per machine ? Was it like $1/2/5/10/20/50/100 
per machine ?

Thanks, DaveT