FTC "Patent Hold-Up" Workshop

Quite a few otherwise interested people may not have heard that the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is holding a panel and workshop next week concerning how patent trolls are abusing standards body processes. This is our field, and we didn't find out about it until end of last week.

Regardless, Xiph.Org has assembled an official comment document, and will be represented in person by at least Dr. Tim Terriberry and possibly a few other core members (I won't be there).

If you're interested in software patents, some of the US Government's thinking on the issue, and participating in the process, have a look at the above two links. Also, feel free to distribute our comments far and wide. It's somewhat more gripping than the usual, dry "Percy Q. Business Leader Advises the Federal Goverment".