[Mp4-tech] Open-source AAC software

[JLB]

Hello:
	I would like to ask if it is legal and permissable for a
developer to license the AAC spec and produce open-source software,
which they could then distribute to end-users. For example, if I wished
to create a plug-in for xmms, or some other open-source/free software
media player, would I be allowed to freely distribute my source code,
without all of my users also having to pay thet $50 (roughly) license
fee?
	I am a bit confused by the response that AAC has received in the
past several years in the open-source/free software world. The only
plugin I have been able to find for my player of choice has been, for a
long time, hosted on overseas (read: non-US) servers. Lately, they have
moved their files to the US; however, source code is not being made
available.
	I am wondering if this is for a reason? Does your organization
(or any other entity-- commercial, non-profit, or governmental) engage
in prohibiting attempts at creating open-source AAC/M4A (not M4P) player
software? If so, what terms are necessary to fulfill all interested
parties, such that one could create a completely legal and
no-strings-attached M4A player plugin? Must it be closed-source? Must
end-users pay some licensing fee? What are the necessary terms?
	Any information would be very much appreciated.
--
J. L. Blank, Systems Administrator, twu.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2023 10:35:06 -0700
From: Laura Nugent <lnugent mpegif.org>
To: 'JLB' <jlb twu.net>
Subject: RE: Open-source AAC software
Dear Mr. Blank,
Thank you for your email.  I suggest you direct your licensing questions
to either the MPEG Licensing Authority (MPEG-LA):
http://www.mpegla.com/index1.cfm or ViaLicensing:
http://www.vialicensing.com/.
Other questions related to MPEG can be addressed to one or more of the
MEPGIF email reflectors, subscribed to by both members and non-members.
You can sign up to participate in a reflector at:
http://www.mpegif.org/public/publiclistreg.php .
Best regards,
Laura Nugent
Executive Director
MPEG Industry Forum
39355 California Street, Suite #307
Fremont, CA  USA  94538
+1-510-744-4026 phone / +1-510-608-5917 fax / execdir mpegif.org
www.mpegif.org
-----Original Message-----
From: JLB [mailto:jlb twu.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2023 10:11 AM
To: execdir mpegif.org
Subject: Open-source AAC software
Hello:
	I would like to ask if it is legal and permissable for a
developer to license the AAC spec and produce open-source software,
which they could then distribute to end-users. For example, if I wished
to create a plug-in for xmms, or some other open-source/free software
media player, would I be allowed to freely distribute my source code,
without all of my users also having to pay thet $50 (roughly) license
fee?
	I am a bit confused by the response that AAC has received in the
past several years in the open-source/free software world. The only
plugin I have been able to find for my player of choice has been, for a
long time, hosted on overseas (read: non-US) servers. Lately, they have
moved their files to the US; however, source code is not being made
available.
	I am wondering if this is for a reason? Does your organization
(or any other entity-- commercial, non-profit, or governmental) engage
in prohibiting attempts at creating open-source AAC/M4A (not M4P) player
software? If so, what terms are necessary to fulfill all interested
parties, such that one could create a completely legal and
no-strings-attached M4A player plugin? Must it be closed-source? Must
end-users pay some licensing fee? What are the necessary terms?
	Any information would be very much appreciated.
--
J. L. Blank, Systems Administrator, twu.net