Re: Apple Patents

I think I need to say that I'm against stifling creativity through bogus patents. I would hope that whatever this patent turns out to be that it legally blocks other companies from attempting "collaboration" in similar ways. I am not smart enough to know how far is too far and what software patents really do (or don't do).

[Michael Gissing] "It also strikes me as problematic to a third party plugin developer to be able to handle such workflows. I already have issues with plugins and fonts when projects are moved from one FCP system to mine. But the more an NLE relies on third party developers then the harder it will be to create stability. In the long run inter software collaboration is important so that external interchange formats like XML & OMF become less necessary. Apple are clearly signalling that collaboration is going to be within their eco system and anyone trying to emulate or collaborate across other NLE & post systems will be discouraged by having to comply and pay royalties to Apple."

I'm not sure about what relying on third party and stability have anything to do with each other.

People herald FCP Legend for its third party capabilities.

Adobe after effects major strength is sheer amount of plug in and bolt ons that take advantage of Ae's core strengths.

Third party development helps to strengthen the core app in the long run.

XML v5 is where it is today through developer collaboration with Apple.

This patent doesn't seem like it will stifle third party development, but I'm not a lawyer either.