[Myth] The GIF format is license based

Last update on August 16, 2009 01:44 AM by fahd_zboot
Published by jak58

The GIF format is license based




Myth


Do not use the GIF format because it is subject to a license.

Reality


FALSE

Explanations


GIF format (invented by CompuServe, an American ISP) use the method of LZW compression (Lempel-Ziv-Welch). Unisys had a patent on the LZW method, introduced in 1981. In 1999, Unisys decided to claim royalties on the use of LZW, and therefore also on the GIF format, already well entrenched in the Internet community. This has led to a hardening of attitudes, and the launch of the "Burn All GIFs". This is also what motivated the creation of the PNG format.

The LZW patent expired in June 2003.

The GIF format is no longer covered by patents and you can freely use it.

It should be noted that even before its expiration, the patent wasn't valid in any case the United States.

At the same time, before June 2003, the GIF format (and the LZW algorithm) were freely available in Europe, without paying royalties.
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