Re: LAME codec library

Edouard de Sauvage wrote:
> we are reviewing the licenses needed in order to use the
> MP3 and AAC formats.
> 
> We were planning to use the LAME library which include these formats

Well, one of the formats.

> Are the licensing fees for these formats also required for freeware,

Distributing MP3 and AAC encoders (i.e. the libraries or executable apps, in 
their compiled, usable form rather than source code) requires a license. The 
owners of the relevant patents can ask for whatever they want in exchange for 
a license...and they certainly aren't known for their charity.

That's why Winamp has always had a paid version with extra features; the small 
percentage of users who pay for it are subsidizing the licenses for themselves 
and everyone who sticks with the free version. (Presumably, that is...maybe 
the paid users didn't fully cover the bill, and other sources of income had to 
be used.)

Here's the MP3 encoder licensing info:
http://www.mp3licensing.com/royalty/software.html

And here's the AAC info:
http://www.vialicensing.com/licensing/aac-fees.aspx

You can always ask them to cut you a deal, of course. I'd be interested to
know if you have any luck with that!

The LAME project avoids these issues by only distributing source code rather 
than working, compiled DLLs and EXEs. It is assumed that people who use LAME 
have either built the DLL or EXE themselves, or obtained it from a licensed 
distributor of compiled code.

I'm not speaking on behalf of the LAME project; I'm just an interested user
of both Winamp and LAME.

Mike

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