[M4IF Discuss] Apple settles MPEG-4 dispute?

[Rob Koenen]

Bill,
> Rob,
> 
> So what's happening here exactly?  Apple is saying the "pressure" on
MPEG-LA
> will yield "an acceptable" license or is Apple working out a separate
> agreement with the 18 patent holders (or with MPEG-LA) on 
> it's own to cover MPEG-4 ?

I neither work for Apple, nor am I involved in the talks that MPEG LA holds
with licensors or licensees, but since you are asking me ... the answer, 
as I understand it, is the first of your options. Pressure will yield (is
yielding)
an acceptable license. See http://news.com.com/2100-1040-932419.html -
quoting:
"Jobs says that Apple is close to making a pact with MPEG LA, [...]"
There is NO WAY that MPEG LA will cut a deal with Apple that it will
not cut with anyone else too. MPEG LA is committed to non-discriminatory
licensing, and (most) licensors are *bound* to non-discriminatory licensing
through promises they made to ISO during the standardization process.
As I understand it, MPEG LA is talking to many potential constomers
about the final shape of the license. Apple's move (and Jobs' comments)
indicate that the serious concerns that Apple raised a few months back 
have made way for confidence that things will be resolved. 
This, in turn, gives me good hope.
The only thing that we now require is SPEED. We need to get the license out
there and available SOON (as in "NOW").
Rob