Selling an App from someone elses research

Question

Hello

I read alot of research related to computer vision and recently came across a paper which had some technology in it which I thought could make a killer iphone application. So my question is, assuming they haven't patented their method, is there any thing illegal (or wrong) with building an application based on someone else's research and selling it.

Also they have provided matlab source code, and it clearly states that using their code for commercial purposes is prohibited. So I would not and could not use their source code; but I imagine it would be diffiicult in ensuring that my version would be sufficiently different, seeing as they would both have alot of the same functionality.

Any thoughts?

Zenna

Answer 1

Consult a lawyer. IP (Intellectual Property) is a complex area, and even if someone here says "I did that once, and it was OK", that might not hold for your case.

Also, have you considered asking the authors for permission to publish your iPhone application with their ideas?

But consult a lawyer.

Answer 2

I don't see that it should be a problem. They've released their method as scientific research, so the principles of their technique are freely available. As long as you write your own code (which presumably you would do, since matlab doesn't run on the iPhone), I don't see how they could have a problem. Its perfectly normal in the scientific community for people to write multiple competing algorithms/codes based on theoretical ideas. You're still the one making the effort to turn the idea into a practical application, and also the one taking the development risk.

But as Lasse says, I would definitely talk to an expert rather than accepting the opinion of internet pundits. :)

Answer 3

I agree with Lasse, ask for permission to create an iPhone app. If your idea is great and could makes some cash then it's better to own 50% of the pie rather than 100% of something that maybe they could prevent you from selling

Answer 4

If the publishers of the paper didn't get a patent before publication, they apparently don't care about monetizing their research. None the less, it would be best to request their permission, which they will probably grant. Usually, they will only want academic referral in your product/webpage. If money is involved, they would probably settle for very little (e.g. 10%).

Note that such an application might touch other patents in the field, so you have to do a thorough patent search before selling anything.