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URL  : http://corp2.unisys.com/LeadStory/lzw-license.html
Title: Web Site LZW Licenses Available from Unisys
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Web Site LZW Licenses Available from Unisys

Because demand for LZW-related technology by Web developers continues to
grow, Unisys wants to make obtaining a license for Web-based use of the LZW
technology as easy and as straightforward as possible. Unisys therefore
announces a new way for operators of certain types of Web sites to obtain an
LZW license.

If you are the operator of an Intranet Web site or an Internet Billboard Web
site (see detailed definitions) and use the types of images covered by the
LZW patent, you qualify.

Types of images covered
GIF, TIFF-LZW, PDF-LZW images or other LZW graphical formats used in
connection with the creation, operation or maintenance of a Web site.

Why is Unisys taking this step?
Use of the World Wide Web has grown faster than almost any other technology
in history - and faster than anyone anticipated even five years ago, when
online service providers mostly handled simple electronic messaging.
Organizations around the world are making a significant investment in their
Web presence. Many use GIF images and other technology derived from the LZW
(Lempel Ziv Welch) data compression/decompression technology developed and
patented by Unisys Corporation over 10 years ago. Nearly 2,000 companies and
governmental agencies, both large and small, have already taken licenses
under the Unisys LZW patent.

Some operators of Intranet and Billboard Web sites have had difficulty
determining whether they need a license from Unisys for use of our LZW
patented technology. If you use any of the types of images specified above
on your Web site that you received from an unlicensed software developer or
service, you should have a license from Unisys to use the LZW patent. Or
even if the developer or service provider has a license, but it doesn't
cover your use of the particular application you received, you should have a
license from Unisys to use the LZW patent.

How do you get an Intranet or Billboard Web site license?
A one-time payment of $5,000.00 U.S. for each license agreement (limited to
two servers at each licensed Web site). Or a single payment of $7,500 U.S.
for a license for both Billboard and Intranet. Copies of one or both of
these license agreements may be obtained by contacting Unisys Corporation,
Welch Licensing Department - M/S E8-114, Unisys Way, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
19424, fax: 215-986-3090, e-mail: LZW_INFO@unisys.com, or telephone:
215-986-5693.


Why should you get an LZW Web site license?
You'll be able to deal with any vendors, developers, services or Webmasters
whether they have an LZW license agreement from Unisys or not. You won't
have to go to the trouble of verifying that each vendor is licensed by
Unisys.

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