IDF Patent Policy & Core DOI Specification

DOI Encyclopedia to DOI Core

• DOI Handbook has been the DOI encyclopedia – main developments of the DOI framework are complete

• DOI accepted as ISO work item in Nov 2004• As a requirement for ISO, Draft Core DOI

Specification written in December 2004 (18 pages!)

• Patent Policy under development from end of 2004

Distilling the DOI Essence

• Goals of Core DOI Specification:– To distill the DOI System as a whole for ISO

process– To provide a reference document for RAs and

the Patent Policy

• Main components of System:– Numbering, Description (Metadata), Resolution

and Policies

Core DOI Specification

• Numbering: DOI syntax (ANSI/NISO Z39.84, DOI Syntax)

• Description (metadata): DOI Data Model– DOI Kernel Metadata/Resource Metadata Declaration– iDD – repository for all data elements to support

interoperability

• Resolution – Handle System• Policies – “responsibilities of a DOI Registration

Agency” – social infrastructure

Core DOI Specification

• DOI system described as having the following features:– Persistent identifier– Actionable identifier– Interoperable identifier– Digital identifier of objects– Supports multiple resolution – inherent in Handle

System and outlined in detail in Paskin, N. “The Digital Object Identifier initiative: current position and view forward.” August 1998

Core DOI Specification

• Core DOI Specification is fixed and change will be managed by the well-documented ISO process (5-year reviews, input from many different organizations, consensus)

Patent Policy

• Fundamental IDF Goals:– DOI to be an open standard and system available to all

who want to use it on equal terms – widest possible distribution and use of DOIs

– Preserve and protect the collective investment in the DOI system and standard

– RAs encouraged to develop added-value services and features on top of Core DOI System

Patent Policy

• Patent Policy goes along with NISO Syntax standard and ISO standardization in establishing IDF as an open standard and system

• Specific goals of patent policy:– Generic policy for IDF and all RAs– Establish trust among RAs on patent issues– Provide RAs and users of DOIs certainty that they won’t be

infringing any patents when operating within the Core DOI System

– Enable and encourage RAs to add value on top of the Core– Be simple, practical and easy to implement

Patent Policy Key Concepts• Patent Policy references the Core DOI Specification• “Core DOI Patent Rights” – things enabled by the

Core DOI Specification• “Value Added DOI Patent Rights” – things not

enabled by the Core DOI Specification• Notice requirement after an RA files any DOI-

related patent application (applies to existing RAs and new RAs)

• Royalty-free licensing of patents that cover items that are enabled by the Core DOI Specification

Patent Policy Key Concepts

• Compulsory licensing on commercially reasonable terms of Value Added Patents (things not enabled by the Core DOI Specification)

• Royalty-free licensing with respect to patents for which the RA fails to satisfy the notice requirement

IDF in Middle Age?

• IDF and DOI System have reached maturity, if not middle age

• Core DOI Specification represents the fixing of the DOI System and completion of first phase of developments

• Patent Policy manages the balance between an open, core system (the system developed collectively) and value added services created by RAs