From: Mark Guzman <segfault@...>
Date: 2007-04-05T11:50:18+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby-HL7 0.1.23

Akimichi Tatsukawa wrote:
> Mark Guzman wrote:
>   
>> I've finally wrapped up some tasks and released Ruby-HL7. This is the
>> first public release.
>>     
>
> Hello, congratulation on your work.
>
> In Japan, I am developing HL7 messaging engine plugin for rails,
> and planning to release it.
> But, I met an obstacle.
> Since I am an individual member of the Japanese HL7 organization,
> I asked the office if I could release it under GPL license.
> But, they said that the protocol specification documents are
> the intellectual property of HL7,
> and they were reluctant to give me a clear answer.
> So, I hesitate about the release.
>
> How do you deal with that license matter in U.S. ?
> Your advice will be much appreciated.
>
>
> Best regards,
> Aki
>
>   
Aki,
  I developed this independently, based on prior knowledge. In your 
case, I'd suggest citing the existing GPL hl7 libraries. There are 
libraries available for java, perl and python. My understanding of us IP 
law  (IANAL) leads me to believe that once someone puts the IP into the 
public domain it is possible to publish code that does the same thing as 
it can be claimed that the knowledge came from those sources. I believe 
GPL'd code would be considered public domain in this case. Good luck 
Aki. I'm interested in promoting the usage of ruby in the medical world, 
so drop me a line if you need or want any help.
  --mark