View source for MPEG Layer 3

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==About==
[[MPEG Layer 3]] (MP3) is a [[lossy compression]] format for audio data. Files encoded in this format use the [[.mp3]] [[file extension]] and are often referred to as "MP3"s.

Many organizations, most notably the [[wikipedia:Fraunhofer Society|Fraunhofer Society]], have claimed software patent(s) on technology used in the MP3 format, and anyone wishing to release (a) software or hardware supporting MP3 audio, or (b) content encoded in the MP3 format must obtain permission from the patent owners (usually in the form of a paid license).

Because of this restriction, significant effort has been put into developing free alternatives, most notably [[Ogg Vorbis]], and [[free/open source|free software]] often does not support MP3 directly due to [[license conflict]]s.

The various MP3-related patents expire on dates ranging from 2007 to 2017 in the [[US]], and at other times in other countries.
==Reference==
* {{wikipedia|MP3}}
* [http://www.mp3licensing.com/ MP3 Licensing] official site
* [http://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/en/bf/amm/produkte/audiocodec/audiocodecs/mp3/index.jsp Fraunhofer IIS division MP3 page]