I recall that Kris sent this around earlier, but given recent issues
with OASIS policy interpretation, it doesn't hurt to float it again.
On October 15, OASIS will begin implementing changes to the IPR
policy that you and your company should be aware of. In most cases,
your primary rep should have looked at these already and advised you
if there are any special actions/awarenesses on your part.
While it seems to have primarily wording consistency changes, there
are specific new interpretations that might affect you. I suggest
that you review the changed items in the redlined PDF with your
primary rep.
The TC itself will be subject to new work product definitions in
sections 2.18, 2.19, and 2.20--note those.
I see many cases of potential new legal business rules (line 334
begins a new major clause, for example) that modify existing
understandings you may have had. Again, primary rep... .
Regarding our chosen IP mode (RF with limited terms), I personally
see no change for our TC's present status, which was made under
then-prevailing IPR policies
(http://www.oasis-open.org/committees/dita/ipr.php). I expect a
request for review of our election at some point, but it doesn't
seem indicated at the moment.
The section 11.1 on Withdrawal from a Technical Committee should be
taken into consideration by anyone presently dissatisfied with OASIS
process. I'd rather see the full TC make any major decisions about
the future of the stewardship of the DITA specification.
That's all--just a heads-up as the October 15 date for this policy
approaches.
--
Don Day
Chair, OASIS DITA Technical Committee