- published: 17 Sep 2015
- views: 1544
Reasonable and non-discriminatory terms (RAND), also known as fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms (FRAND), are a licensing obligation that is often required by standard-setting organizations for members that participate in the standard-setting process. Standard-setting organizations are the industry groups that set common standards for a particular industry in order to ensure compatibility and interoperability of devices manufactured by different companies.
Standard-setting organizations commonly have rules that govern the ownership of patent rights that apply to the standards they adopt. One of the most common rules is that a patent that applies to the standard must be adopted on "reasonable and non-discriminatory terms" (RAND) or on "fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms" (FRAND). The two terms are generally interchangeable; FRAND seems to be preferred in Europe and RAND in the U.S.
Standard-setting organizations include this obligation in their bylaws as a means of enhancing the pro-competitive character of their industry. They are intended to prevent members from engaging in licensing abuse based on the monopolistic advantage generated as a result of having their intellectual property rights (IPR) included in the industry standards. Once an organization is offering a FRAND license they are required to offer that license to anyone, not necessarily members of the group. Without such commitment, members could use monopoly power inherent in a standard to impose unfair, unreasonable and discriminatory licensing terms that would damage competition and inflate their own relative position.
the eyes of a billion people
are watching the sky
the day has come, the majesty's arrived
screaming and crying
a mankind in despair
but we should know we can't go on this way...
when the sirens call
when the sirens call
when the sirens call
don't be afraid, when it's all over now
save the action in your mind
worn out, at a loss, lost in paradise
the sound of sirens everywhere
power, the infinite universe
death, the past will fade away...
chorus
oh it's too late
when the sirens call
no matter who you were before, before
oh it's too late
when the sirens call
but it's you they wanted dead
when the sirens call
when the sirens call
when the sirens call
the world is shocked, crying out for help
face the mirror, all we see is pain
a second chance, they've come to save our souls
annihilation to animate the world
lost, it's coming down to earth
death comes nearer to take lifes place
chorus
when the sirens call
when the sirens call