You are cordially invited to a DC cypherpunk working meeting and patent expiration party on September 6. On Saturday, September 6, the patent on the Diffie-Hellman public key cryptography system expires. Along with the Merkle-Hellman patent (which expires on October 6), this patent is key to the future of public key crypto. Now programmers can write strong encryption software without worrying about patent licensing. But the expiration of the patents doesn't guarantee the future of strong cryptography. Proposed laws could restrict its use. So the party has two portions: -- 5:30 pm: a DCCP working party and potluck supper. Topics include discussion of the patents and regulation of cryptography. Guest speakers will discuss legislation in Congress and the Bernstein case. A speaker from the administration will provide a regulator's perspective. (Please contribute to the potluck dinner!) -- 8:00 pm: a post-meeting party to celebrate the expiration of the patents. (Please bring snack foods and beverages/drinks...) To RSVP, and for directions and details, e-mail Declan at declan@well.com with DCCP-DH in your Subject: line. The party will be held in Adams Morgan in Washington, DC. -Declan