RSA Party Planner

bgp4 writes "The patent on the RSA encryption algorithm is set to expire on September 20th, just a few weeks away. Cypherpunks around the world are preparing to celebrate the ability to use RSA without restriction. In order to increase awareness of the patent expiration (as well as attendance at the parties), we've put up an RSA Party Planner page. That way folks can find out where/when their local party is, or if there isn't a local party, they can throw one of their own. If you know of any parties that we haven't listed, please let us know."

Re:impact on ssh

[mwillis]

SSH can, but doesn't always, use the RSAREF library.

Re:impact on ssh

[CentrX]

I don't believe ssh is related to the RSA. Regardless, it's quite easy to get OpenSSH [openssh.com] which is free, and compatible with standard ssh clients.

Chris Hagar

Re:Start now or later?

[radja]

as long as it's not released it's still research which is (AFAIK) allowed. It may already exist though.. RSA isn't encumbered in europe.

//rdj

impact on ssh

[po_boy]

does this mean that the free version of ssh1 and sshd1 will not have that proprietary crap hanging over their heads anymore?

Re:How does this affect us?

[billstewart]

The RSA algorithm is only free for non-commercial use if you're using the RSAREF implementation. Cryptext doesn't have this problem because it's Australian, and RSA isn't patented there (or in most of the world) because of the can't-patent-after-you-publish rules.

RSA Patent number

[Rossum]

It's 4,405,829. This link [164.195.100.11] should take you there.

Interestingly, the patent has two dates on it. Clearly marked is the date of filing, December 14, 1977. However, I am not a patent/trademark lawyer, so I don't know what the second date of September 20, 1983 signifies. Possibly a reissue date?

I'm sure someone else can offer more detailed insights. Me.

Re:Around the world? RSA patent not valid everywhe

[luckykaa]

But I think there's only cause for celebration when you guys cut down on allowing stupid patents on software, genes, etc anyway.

Although to be fair on software patents - this patent is useful, is not particularly obvious, does have worthwhle commercial applications, and is described in reasonable detail in the patent.

DeCSS party?

[www.sorehands.com]

I hope that there will be DeCSS parties when MPAA loses.

Another party...

[Ig0r]

I'm having another party on sept 20...it's my birthday :)

--

Re:RSA Patent number

[studerby]

Interestingly, the patent has two dates on it. Clearly marked is the date of filing, December 14, 1977. However, I am not a patent/trademark lawyer, so I don't know what the second date of September 20, 1983 signifies. Possibly a reissue date?

The first date, as you note, is the date of filing, and the second date is the date the patent was issued by the PTO. At the time, patents ran for 17 years from date of issue, which is why it's expiring this September 20th. Now, patents run for 20 years from date of filing (to encourage filers to not drag out the process).

How does this affect us?

[Jetifi]

I think the RSA alogrithm is available for free for non-commercial use. Cryptext [pcug.org.au] uses RSA, and is non-commercial.

The patent expiring means that any big company can use the alogrithm in their product.

Which means that, theoretically speaking, Microsoft could build in 'Privacy enhancements' using a (kerberos'd?) version of RSA. I'm not MS-bashing, just food for thought.

Start now or later?

[wmoyes]

This is more of a legal question but... I have been thinking of putting together a RSA library with all the needed functionality to carryout several cryptographic protocols. Should I wait until the 21st or should would it be safe to start now, and not release it until the 21st? I am sure I am not the only one thinking about doing this.