Re: UnStuffing with ShrinkIt

[shack@crash.cts.com (Randy Shackelford)]

In article <D3KF07.EL2@actrix.gen.nz>,
David Empson <dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz> wrote:

>There is a possible legal problem: ShrinkIt uses a patented LZW
>algorithm, and it may be necessary to license the algorithm from the
>patentee (Unisys, I believe) if anyone else is to release a new
>version.

I read over that statement from Unisys that someone posted. It said no 
inadvertent infringements would be pursued, and that no fees or license was
necessary for freeware using LZW. I recall that GS Shrinkit was originally
supposed to be commercial but was released as freeware due to a legal snag.
Guess we know why now.

>I think that EGO Systems ran into this with their un-Shrink utility
>"Balloon".

They should just make it free then.

>> >   If someone could get the specs for the latest StuffIt/Stuffem
>> >Deluxe/Compact Pro, it might be possible to make a GS version. As
>> >these programs are rather copyrighted and published, it's unlikely
>> >that anyone could get such info. Please try, though.
>> 
>> I wouldn't expect the actual file format to be under copyright.
>
>No, but it might not be publically documented, and they might not be
>prepared to release any information about the format.  It wouldn't
>hurt to ask, though.

I'll look up the Aladdin mail address. We can start an email pestering campaign
to get the info.
--
Randy Shackelford                                Huh huh, that was cool.
shack@crash.cts.com