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Message
From: Richard Herveille<richard@h...>
Date: Tue Apr 22 08:41:32 CEST 2008
Subject: [oc] patents and logic cores
The European patent expired before the US patent. I2C was already widely used before the patents expired, so I wouldn't suggest it is more abundant now than it was then. I simply used this as an example, don't put too much weight on it.
Richard
-----Original Message----- From: cores-bounces@o... [mailto:cores-bounces@o...] On Behalf Of John Day Sent: 21 April 2008 22:36 To: Discussion list about free open source IP cores; weigelt@m...; 'Discussion list about free open source IP cores' Subject: RE: [oc] patents and logic cores
At 08:37 AM 4/18/2008, Richard Herveille wrote: >For example the I2C code on OpenCores can safely be downloaded and used by >anybody. However if you implement it in a commercial device you have to >contact Philips to discuss licensing fees (for as long as the original >patent is valid).
I think the original patent (of 1987) expired in 2005, I think if you check the NXP website you will find some new rule. This also helps explain why there are now so many more I2C bus devices hitting the market and why I2C is becoming ubiquitous in micros of various types.
John
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