[link|http://technews.netscape.com/news/0-1005-201-7385649-0.html|Special to CNET News.com]
October 2, 2001, 1:45 p.m. PT

By Kathy Harris, Gartner Analyst

It is a mistake to allow the use of patented technology in standards.

The point of a standards body should be to share work and come to a consensus for the betterment of the industry. Complex issues concerning patenting of technology should be considered after mature standards are achieved. At the very least, any decisions should be considered case by case.

Furthermore, charging for the use of patented technology components (such as software, designs and business processes) opens the door to the following costly, complex and time-consuming issues...