6 Use of the algorithm specifications

33.1053G Security3GPPCryptographic algorithm requirementsRelease 17TS

The purpose of this clause is to address ownership of the algorithm specification, to define which types of organisation are entitled to use the algorithm specification, and to outline how and under what conditions such organisations may obtain the specification.

6.1 Ownership

For those functions which require to be fully standardized, all copyright on the algorithm and test data specifications shall be owned jointly by the 3GPP partner organisations.

6.2 Design authority

The design authority for the algorithms that require standardisation shall be ETSI SAGE. It is expected that the project team assembled by SAGE will draw on appropriate expertise within the 3GPP partner organisations in addition to its normal resource pool.

6.3 Users of the specification

For those functions which require to be fully standardized, the algorithm specification shall be published as a 3GPP specification. It will be used by those who need the algorithm specification to build equipments or components which embody the algorithm.

6.4 Licensing

For those functions which require to be fully standardized, the use of the algorithm shall be subject to a license agreement which restricts the use of the algorithm as described in 5.3.2 and 5.4.2.

Users of the algorithm, and users of the algorithm specification, shall be required to sign the licence agreement. Appropriate licence agreements shall be drawn up by the 3GPP partner organisations.

Licences shall be royalty free. In addition, the licence agreement shall require users of the specification not to attempt to patent the algorithm or otherwise register an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) relating to the algorithm or its use.

6.5 Management of the specification

For those functions which require to be fully standardized, the algorithm specifications shall be published as a 3GPP specification. The algorithms will thus be open for public evaluation. It is recognised that this will leave the algorithms open to public criticism during the commercial operation of the system. The process of responding to public criticism will need to be handled carefully by an appropriate 3GPP body.