Standards Bodies Encourage Sharing of Patented Technologies

Three of the organizations that create standards for technology have adopted a common approach to including patented technologies.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said the policy provides a safe environment where companies can share confidential information to make sure their technologies meet standards.

“It is difficult to develop technical standards without implicating patents,” said Malcolm Johnson, director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau for ITU. “On the other hand, we have to take into account the interests of end users. Therefore a balance must be found. We believe that this policy will encourage industry to share its intellectual property with implementers of standards on a reasonable basis knowing that their interests will be protected."

IEC www.iec.ch  

ISO www.iso.org  

ITU www.itu.int

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