I'd like to comment a bit on patent ownership/control/etc. Patents are "assigned" by the (US) patent office, usually, these days, to the company for whom the inventor works. "Ownership" is not a term used. "Control" can be problematic, if the inventor changes employment. If you invent something for which a patent is issued and assigned to your company, then you change employment, then neither you nor the company you currently work for "control" that patent. But you should probably still disclose the patent. I'd vote for >> If you are aware that a contribution of yours is covered by >> patents, you need to disclose that fact. -----Original Message----- From: ietf-bounces@xxxxxxxx [mailto:ietf-bounces@xxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bob Hinden Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 8:14 AM To: IETF Cc: Bob Hinden; IETF Announce Subject: Re: Proposed Update to Note Well Russ, I like that it is shorter, but I think it might be a little too short. That is, I think it needs to be clearer what is a contribution and then mention patents. For example: If you write, say, or discuss anything in the IETF, formally or informally, that is considered "a contribution" to the IETF. If you believe this is covered by a patent or patent application you or your employer own, one of you must disclose that. Thanks, Bob On Jun 21, 2012, at 3:10 PM, IETF Chair wrote: > The IESG has heard many complaints that the Note Well is too complex. After some discussion with counsel, we propose the following updated Note Well for your comment and review. The below summary would be followed with a pointer to or text of more details, which will depend upon whether it's a meeting slide, on the web site, on the registration page, or on a mailing-list greeting. > > On behalf of the IESG, > Russ Housley > IETF Chair > > -------------------------------------- > > NOTE WELL > > In summary: > > By participating with the IETF, you agree to follow IETF processes. > > If you write, say, or discuss anything in the IETF, formally or informally, > (all of which we call "a contribution") that you know is covered by a patent > or patent application you or your employer own, one of you must disclose > that. > > You understand that meetings might be recorded and broadcast. > > This would be followed with a pointer to or text of more details, > which will depend upon whether it's a meeting slide, on the web site, > on the registration page, or on a mailing-list greeting. >