On Tue, May 04, 2021 at 08:46:51AM +0000, Guillaume Le Vaillant wrote: > --8<---------------cut here---------------start------------->8--- > While DSDcc is intended to be patent-free, `mbelib` that it uses > describes functions that may be covered by one or more U.S. patents > owned by DVSI Inc. The source code itself should not be infringing as it > merely describes possible methods of implementation. Compiling or using > `mbelib` may infringe on patents rights in your jurisdiction and/or > require licensing. It is unknown if DVSI will sell licenses for software > that uses `mbelib`. > --8<---------------cut here---------------end--------------->8--- > > Even if mbelib is free software, I guess the U.S. patent on the > AMBE standard [1] prevents it from being included in Guix. > What do you think? I don't that these patents prevent inclusion. At least, we've never worked that way in the past. The question of whether or not a program / package "may be covered by one or more U.S. patents" is not something that can be known until you get sued by a patent owner and lose the case (or settle it). It applies to literally every piece of software. Basically, if you are making a lot of money with software, then you will learn which patents you have used, based on the lawsuits filed against you. I'm no expert but that's my understanding.