Forgent Networks said Friday it sued 31 major hardware and software vendors, including Dell and Apple Computers, for allegedly infringing on its claim to an algorithm used in the popular JPEG picture file format.
If the suits are successful, they could lead to an increase in prices for tools and software used to create and modify images -- or even lead the industry to abandon the JPEG format altogether.
See story in Wired News : Forgent Sues Over JPEG Patent
Update - JPEG Patent Could Impact The Gimp
I was reading a post by Timothy at Slashdot in which he states that Gimp may be affected by the patent.
A Newsforge article gets into some of the details and asks whether open source tools like the Gimp could be liable as well. To add fuel to the fire, the Joint Photographic Experts Group's committee thinks that some of the patent may be invalid. The p2pnet.net story mentions that the FTC has some skepticism as well.
Read timothy's post at Slashdot : JPEG Patent Could Impact The Gimp
Discuss the patent lawsuit at Band of Gonzos Forum : Forgent Sues over JPEG Patent
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