Governs the handling of patents in the process of producing Web standards. The goal of this policy is to assure that Recommendations produced under this policy can be implemented on a Royalty-Free (RF) basis.

Richard Stallman's arguments against the use of proprietary formats in document exchange.

Advocates against the use of image formats that are protected by patents. Presents a brief history of the GIF format as well as its open alternatives.

Campaign for replacing the (formerly) patent-encumbered GIF format by open standard graphics. Since the GIF formats has become patent-free, the site advocates against software patents.

The goal of the Linux Standard Base (LSB) is to develop and promote a set of standards that will increase compatibility among Linux distributions and enable software applications to run on any compliant Linux system.

Aims to educate the public about the importance of Free Document Formats and Open Standards in general. Coordinates activities that happen on last Wednesday of March, celebrated as the Document Freedom Day.

Illustrates the principles behind format standardization and the practice of promoting formats interoperability.

Why not use proprietary formats and what are the main open alternatives.

Ken Krechmer analyzes the distinct issues behind advocacy for non-proprietary formats.

Investigates the effects of patent proliferation and criticizes reasonable and non-discriminatory license terms (RAND) for patented technologies.