Memorandum of Understanding
VoiceXML Forum and W3C Collaboration
Whereas the VoiceXML Forum and the W3C have determined that it is in the
best interests of the respective organizations and the public that they work
together to further develop a dialog markup language, and in the furtherance
of collaboration, the VoiceXML Forum and the W3C understand and agree
that:
- During the period of this Memorandum of Understanding, the VoiceXML
Forum agrees that the W3C will have sole control of the definition and
evolution of the dialog markup language based on the VoiceXML 1.0 that is
under development by the W3C Voice Browser Working Group
("Specification"). The VoiceXML Forum agrees to recognize the
Specification as the ONLY dialog markup language, and publicly promote it
as such.
- The VoiceXML Forum will file an express abandonment of U.S. trademark
applications, Serial Nos. 76/106,313, 76/106,083, and 76/105,801, a copy
of which will be sent to W3C. The VoiceXML Forum does not and will not
make any claim to the exclusive ownership of the term "VoiceXML." The
VoiceXML Forum will take no action to interfere with or impede the use of
the term "VoiceXML" by the W3C or any of its members. The VoiceXML Forum
and the W3C acknowledge and agree that the W3C shall name its dialog
markup language "VoiceXML."
- The VoiceXML Forum will pursue appropriate industry activities to
promote the use of VoiceXML, including conformance, education and
marketing. The VoiceXML Forum will coordinate the creation of test suites
and conformance evaluation with the W3C. The VoiceXML Forum will provide
specification clarification requests to the W3C through the channels
provided by the W3C for this purpose.
- The parties agree to cooperate with each other in the development and
marketing of the Specification and to keep each other informed of its
efforts in such regard. Each party will appoint a liaison that shall be
responsible for maintaining the relationship set forth in this Memorandum
of Understanding.
- This Memorandum of Understanding shall remain in effect for a period of
five years from the date last signed and shall be automatically renewable
for additional one year periods, provided that either party may prevent
renewal upon written notice to the other party 180 days prior to the
commencement of such renewal term. This Memorandum of Understanding may
be otherwise terminated during a term if either party indicates its
intention to terminate its involvement with the dialog markup language
upon which this collaboration is based. Upon termination of this MOU, the
W3C shall retain all rights to the Specification under its development,
maintenance and promotion.
For the VoiceXML Forum: (signed) Peter Lefkin, Executive Director
For the W3C: (signed) Jean-Francois Abramatic, Chairman