Linux developer Alan Cox files DRM patent


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Don't know if this has already been posted, couldn't find any...

One of the most prominent Linux developers, Alan Cox - working for Red Hat, has filed a patent for a digital rights management (DRM) system. As you can read in the abstract...

  Quote
A rights management system monitors and controls use of a computer program to prevent use that is not in compliance with acceptable terms. The system monitors usage of the computer program for usage and activities that are not in compliance with the license or other use terms. Upon detection of a violation of these terms, state information pertaining to the computer program is saved and operation of the computer program and/or a portion of the computer system is suspended. The system maintains the suspension for as long as the violation exists. Once compliance has been reestablished, the suspension is terminated.

... it looks a lot like Vista's new DRM scheme. If granted, it would not surprise me if Cox would license it to no one. That would mean no more DRM features in computer programs.

Full patent

Source (Dutch)

It's probably more to make a point both about the patent system and DRM. ;)

But if no one has actually thought of filing a DRM patent (I have no idea, but that would surprise me), it's kind of funny.

As for freaky looks... Hehe, Alan Cox:

Alan%20Cox.jpg

More Unix beards: http://www.bsdwarez.net/unix_beard.php

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