At 7:49 PM -0800 12/23/96, bobbi wrote:
If I wanted to develop software that employs cryptography, or a new cryptographic algorithm, strictly for domestic use and sale, does this algorithm have to be registered with any domestic agency?
If your algorithm is only for domestic use, then there are no restrictions and no need to register. However, if even a single copy is illegally exported, and even if there is no evidence that you helped in its export, then you may experience a situation similar to Phill Zimmerman's where the government persecuted him until the statue of limitations ran out. However judge Patell's decision, if it is applied to you, may make the export of an academic or even source code description of your algorithm legal. YMMV. IMHO, the bottom line is that if you publish in this area you are stepping onto a battle ground. If you don't want any risk of getting shot at, the only safe place is not publishing/selling. If you do publish or sell, and take reasonable precautions to stay within the law, you are fairly safe, but government harassment can not be ruled out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | Client in California, POP3 | Periwinkle -- Consulting (408)356-8506 | in Pittsburgh, Packets in | 16345 Englewood Ave. frantz@netcom.com | Pakistan. - me | Los Gatos, CA 95032, USA