From: David Van Wie <dvw@hamachi.epr.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 95 20:47:52 PDT
To: "'cypherpunks'" <cypherpunks@toad.com>
Subject: Re: Encryption algorithms used in PrivaSoft (fwd)
Message-ID: <3060D3B3@hamachi>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain



David Clavadetscher of PrivaSoft writes:
> At this time our crypto engine is patented and proprietary.

Ian Goldberg writes:
> Waitasec...  I was under the impression that if you patented it, you had 
to
> reveal it.  That's why RC4 isn't patented (it used to be a trade secret).

Many technologies have both patented parts and trade secret parts.  Often, 
companies will maintain information that is in patent applications as trade 
secret until they are granted.  I guess I should say _if_ they are granted! 
 After a patent is granted, it is usually a good idea to also maintain some 
trade secrets in your products -- since trade secrets never "expire," unlike 
patents.  If the patent isn't granted, you still have the option of treating 
the contents as an intellectual property under trade secret protection.

dvw