[Ffmpeg-devel] Flash 8 (FLV) File Specificaton out

[Ivan Kalvachev]

2006/3/31, Michael Niedermayer <michaelni at gmx.at>:
> Hi
>
> On Fri, Mar 31, 2006 at 11:57:29AM +0100, M?ns Rullg?rd wrote:
> >
> > Michael Niedermayer said:
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > On Fri, Mar 31, 2006 at 06:47:01AM +0200, :: Gerd Hilgemann / Onlinelib.de ::
> > > wrote:
> > >> v8 of Flash (SWF) and Flash Video (FLV) specification is available
> > >> The Macromedia Flash (SWF) and Flash Video (FLV) File Format Specification
> > >> (Version 8) went live on the licensing center today!
> > >> I know a lot of people have been waiting for it, and we appreciate your
> > >> patience.
> > >>
> > >> register for free the sdk and download the pdf!
> > >>
> > >> LINK: http://www.macromedia.com/licensing/developer/
> > >
> > > from their FAQ:
> > > ---------
> > > Can I use the File Format Specification to create a SWF interpreter or player?
> > >
> > > No, the File Format Specification is provided for the specific purpose of
> > > enabling software applications to export to the Macromedia Flash File Format
> > > (SWF).
> > >
> > >
> > > Can I use the File Format Specification to create a Flash Video encoder or a
> > > Flash Video streaming service?
> > >
> > > No, the File Format Specification is provided for the specific purpose of
> > > enabling software applications to export to the Macromedia Flash File Format
> > > (SWF).
> > > ----------
> >
> > Is this legally enforcable, or is it just FUD?
>
> well, the FAQ certainly isnt (IANAL) but maybe they have some EULA you must
> agree too before you can download the spec, and that might be enforcable in
> some places i dunno, IANAL ...

Well, if you break the Lincese this only means that you are not
allowed to own the specifications. The resulting code is not
derivative works so the license doesn't have any power over it.
However in some countries if you lawfully obtain some copyrighted
material you are allowed to keep it for personal use.

So it may be possible to get the specs, implement complaint flv muxer.
Then break the license and while keeping it for personal use to
implement flash player ;) Of course first find a lawyer to consult
with :)

On the other hand, these specifications may not be full, as they could
contain only a subset of all available features.