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I'd like to build and sell/or free a software based on ffmpeg and some other mp3 library lgpl, So I know in U.s.a. there's a patent and royalty problem,

But if I live in Europe I'd like to know if I can create software with mp3 encoder/decoder and mpeg decoder/encoder should I pay royalty? Or can someone (mp3/mpeg creator) put me in front a Court?

user17564
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2 Answers2

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There are no software patents in europe, but copyright does exist. Redistributing someone elses code means you have to follow their license, which may mean paying royalties. OSS is probably ok, if you also distribute your sourcecode.

LGPL is also ok for commercial use, as are MIT and BSD licenses.

Thom Wiggers
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LGPL permits you to redistribute and even make changes provided you maintain the LGPL for that portion of code you received and did not change, I believe.

Just be careful not to sell to any country that permits software patents. This is achievable through your own licensing agreement and probably some good faith effort not to sell to IP addresses coming from countries that permit software patents, however, IANAL, and you should consult a lawyer on exactly how to arrange things so you're not liable for infringement.

swingProgrammerrr
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