Two on JPEG Patent Suit and The GIMP

Wired News: Forgent Sues Over JPEG Patent

[ Thanks to jorgerpo for this link.
]

“Forgent Networks said Friday it sued 31 major hardware and
software vendors, including Dell and Apple Computers, for allegedly
infringing on its claim to an algorithm used in the popular JPEG
picture file format.

“If the suits are successful, they could lead to an increase in
prices for tools and software used to create and modify images —
or even lead the industry to abandon the JPEG format
altogether…”

Complete Story

NewsForge: Is The GIMP Safe from Forgent’s IP Claims?

“According to the press release, the list of companies being
sued includes such widely known firms as Adobe, Apple, Dell
Computers, Eastman Kodak, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Toshiba, and 24
others.

“NewsForge spoke by telephone to Forgent Networks’ Director of
Investor Relations, Michael Noonan, to learn more about the legal
actions as well as who else might be at risk…”

Complete Story