Re: [boost] Boost and patents

From: John Maddock (john_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-09-21 12:31:09

Mateusz Loskot wrote:
> Hi,
>
> First, please, forgive me if this subject have been discussed already,
> but I couldn't find anything in the lists archives and Boost docs.
>
> Today, my friend was told (warned) on the #c++ IRC channel that
> Boost uses some technologies already patented by IBM (and may be other
> entities), like RCU or SMR (and may be more).
> I have no idea if this is true or not, so I'd like to ask some
> questions regarding this warning:
>
> 1. Does Boost use any patented technologies?

Not knowingly, which doesn't mean that we don't of course.

What are RCU and SMR?

I'd be interested to know exactly what folks are saying about Boost, 
especially if it sounds a little like some FUD.

> 2. If it does, and for example it uses some in library X,
> does it mean I can not use library Y (without copying X) in my program
> because of patents-derived restrictions?
> In other words, if Boost uses any patented technologies in library X,
> does it influence other libraries?
> What are implications regarding it?

IANAL: and that's something you would need a lawyer for :-(

John.