Question on IDEA

[Leigh S. Jones, KR6X]

I've always found it interesting that IDEA was invented in Europe but
the patent issues are primarily found in the US.  In this case the patent
owner wanted any US company that profits from the sale of products
that use the IDEA patent to pay royalties, where there is little concern
over use that is not for profit.  Nonetheless, the Gnu Public License
and patent infringement are mutually exclusive.

----- Original Message -----
From: David Picón Álvarez
To: gnupg-users@gnupg.org
Sent: Monday, June 03, 2002 19:43
Subject: Question on IDEA



Hi,

Maybe this is off-topic, in which case I apologize. My question is the
following:

Isn't it so that algorithms aren't patentable in EU? Or at least the patents
can't be enforced? If so, how come IDEA is patented? If not, could anyone
explain what the patent situation is or point me somewhere to find out?

Thank ou very much,
--David.