ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses two topics which have significant impact on the use of cryptography in practice: patents and standards. At their best, cryptographic patents make details of significant new processes and efficient techniques publicly available, thereby increasing awareness and promoting use; at their worst, they limit or stifle the use of such techniques due to licensing requirements. Cryptographic standards serve two important goals: facilitating widespread use of cryptographically sound and well-accepted techniques; and promoting interoperability between components involving security mechanisms in various systems.
