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Subject:MP3 codec licensing question
Posted by: Audio Guy
Date:6/25/2005 5:23:47 AM
There is an article released this week which has me disturbed about MP3.. Here is my questions.. If I create an MP3 file with a licensced version of Sound Forge that I have a record of paying for the software and is registered with Sony.. And I sell that MP3 file on a CD, or as a download, or stream it from a website, or even give it away free for commercial, promotional or marketing purposes, is that not legal and my choice? Or does that infringe patent laws of MP3 and make me the file creator liable for damages? Does the mp3 license Sony paid in my software allow me to make MP3 files for any purpose I choose, personal or commercial? Please email or let me know asap.. Thanks Mike Stewart mike@internetaudioguy.com |
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Subject:RE: MP3 codec licensing question
Reply by: Iacobus
Date:6/25/2005 1:38:20 PM
? As far as I know, the MP3 codec that SPD uses is the official Fraunhofer spec. I can't understand how you would get in trouble. SPD's already paid for the license to use their codec. I know other companies have created their own unoffical MP3 codec; could that be what the article is referring to? Iacobus ------- RodelWorks - Original Music for the Unafraid Buy Instant ACID by JohnnyRoy and mD! mD at ACIDplanet |
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Subject:RE: MP3 codec licensing question
Reply by: Audio Guy
Date:6/25/2005 2:04:28 PM
No, they are referring to the Thomson licensing at www.mp3licensing.com which says every business use of a mp3 file needs to pay a license. I don't understand their website, and wanted something official from Sony. I always assumed any edited audio I created and owned the copyright I could stream, sell, give for commercial use. I don't even want to link to the article in this forum as I think they are using scare tactics to market an .ogg software they sell. If you want to see web and article, email me. Mike |
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Subject:RE: MP3 codec licensing question
Reply by: mpd
Date:6/28/2005 6:04:10 AM
This topic has been discussed several times on the various Flash boards and mailing lists. Google on "flash mp3 licensing" to try to find some of the information. |
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Subject:RE: MP3 codec licensing question
Reply by: Iacobus
Date:6/29/2005 10:13:08 AM
Very interesting now that I've researched it more. According to Thompson's site: Do I need a license to stream mp3/mp3PRO encoded content over the Internet? Do I need a license to distribute mp3/mp3PRO encoded content? Answer (for both): Yes. A license is needed for commercial (i.e., revenue-generating) use of mp3/mp3PRO in broadcast systems (terrestrial, satellite, cable and/or other distribution channels), streaming applications (via Internet, intranets and/or other networks), other content distribution systems (pay-audio or audio-on-demand applications and the like) or for use of mp3/mp3PRO on physical media (compact discs, digital versatile discs, semiconductor chips, hard drives, memory cards and the like). However, no license is needed for private, non-commercial activities (e.g., home-entertainment, receiving broadcasts and creating a personal music library), not generating revenue or other consideration of any kind or for entities with an annual gross revenue less than US$ 100 000.00. This is quite fuzzy. I'm assuming that if you or your client make less that $100K, it's just fine? I can see why people seek an alternative to MP3. I despise hurdles that limit media creators. Thompson obviously thinks it's super-special when it comes to audio compression. Iacobus ------- RodelWorks - Original Music for the Unafraid Buy Instant ACID by JohnnyRoy and mD! mD at ACIDplanet |
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Subject:RE: MP3 codec licensing question
Reply by: mpd
Date:6/29/2005 11:06:50 AM
The MPEG specs are written in such a way that only the file format and the decoder are specified; the encoder algorithm can vary. This allows companies to innovate, and provides competition. The companies who contributed to the MPEG specs allowed this as long as the licensing agreements allowed them to recoup some of their time spent developing the specs. Thomson and Fraunhofer IIS (I forget the exact relationship) poured a ton of money into the development of the MPEG audio specs. The money they made on licensing MPEG-1 audio helped fund the MPEG-2 audio specs, the MPEG-2 audio licencing helped fund the development of the MPEG-4 audio specs, etc. |