Re: Use of LAME in commercial iOS application

Anthony Myatt wrote:
> I would like to use the LAME MP3 library in an iOS application that will be sold on the Apple App Store.

I'm not speaking on behalf of the development project; I'm just a list 
subscriber stating what I know from past research into this issue, for 
Wikipedia.

All MP3 encoders *presumably* implement patented technology, with the last of 
the patents *believed* to be expiring in Dec. 2017. See the informal research
at <http://www.tunequest.org/a-big-list-of-mp3-patents/20070226/> and, as 
mentioned in the comments, the alternative list at 
<http://scratchpad.wikia.com/wiki/MPEG_patent_lists>.

I don't know whether it's *really* true that the current incarnation of LAME, 
when compiled and distributed, infringes any of those patents, but any 
business lawyer will tell you "better safe than sorry; get a license."

This uncertainty is why LAME Ain't an MP3 Encoder (L.A.M.E. - get it?). It is 
officially distributed only as source code, which is (again, presumably) not 
infringing any patents.

The Fraunhofer patents are administered by Technicolor, which runs the info 
site mp3licensing.com. As per that site, a "PC Software" "patent-only" license 
would probably cover a non-Fraunhofer encoder like LAME, as bundled in your 
app. The license currently requires royalty payments of 75 cents (U.S.) per 
encoder (i.e. each copy of your app that you sell), with a minimum bill of 
$15000.00/year.

If you're just a hobbyist expecting to sell only a small number of apps, you 
might be able to negotiate a better deal with them...who knows? I'd be 
interested to hear what they say.

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