[M4IF Discuss] More Rampant Speculation

[Craig Birkmaier]

Does anyone have any visibility into the dynamics of the MPEG-LA 
process which led to the current licensing terms?
As long as we are speculating, it seems appropriate to consider the 
possibility that one or more of the IP rights holders in the visual 
patent pool may have reason(s) to want MPEG-4 to languish.
It would be interesting to better understand how the dynamics work in 
the MPEG-LA process. I realize that MPEG-LA is a business, not an 
open public forum, but there is a great deal riding on this, and it 
might be helpful to better understand the dynamics so as to help 
expedite a profitable outcome for everyone.
So here are a few questions and some rampant speculation. If anyone 
feels uncomfortable talking about any of this on the list, feel free 
to send me a private e-mail. As it appears that this saga has now 
entered the domain where companies are applying pressure in a very 
public manner, I might be inclined to use some journalistic pressure 
to help move things along. But good journalism requires facts, not 
speculation.
Is MPEG-LA consensus driven like MPEG, or does any IP holder have veto power?
How many of the companies with patents that are essential to MPEG-4 
visual also hold essential patents to MPEG-2?
Do any of the companies with patents that are essential to MPEG-4 
visual offer products that might compete in some way with MPEG-4, or 
products that will be enhanced by MPEG-4?
ISO/MPEG and the ITU have formed the Joint Video Team to develop a 
new video codec for MPEG-4, currently called 26L. Based on 
information I have seen, there appears to be a desire by many parties 
to offer this codec on a royalty free basis.
What are the prospects that 26L could be offered free of royalties, 
and how would this impact the prospects for MPEG-4 visual?
Are there essential patents that overlap between MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and 26L?
Feel free to add to the speculation...
Naturally Enquiring minds want to know.
-- 
Regards
Craig Birkmaier
Pcube Labs