2007.07.16 13:22 "Re: [Tiff] [ANNOUNCE]: Libtiff 4.0.0alpha released", by Andy Cave

I never said that we're forcing anyone to download it. But by virtue of the fact that there is a JBIG codec available, we are inducing people to infringe should they download it (which they are more likely to do since there is a JBIG codec available) since it is on by default. If it were off by default with explicit instructions as to how to enable at your own peril etc... with a comment re GPL and Patent issues, then we'd not be. That's my opinion. Clearly our views differ on this subject.

If I were responsible for LibTIFF, I would have it off by default. Since I'm not, so no one is going to sue me over it, not my problem.

----- Original Message -----

On 7/16/07, Andy Cave <andy.cave@hamillroad.com> wrote:

That is exactly what I'm asking - are we forcing people to choose (like they had to with LZW before it became patent free), or are we allowing them to by default build/distribute s/w that is bound by the GPL and infringes patents.

LZW codec was a part of libtiff library. That is why it was put in separate package. JBIG codec is not a part of the library. It should be downloaded and built separately. How we forcing anybody to download and built software that is not required for main libtiff functionality?