MP3 Licensing

So, whatever audio library I choose to use, FMOD, BASS, irrKlang, etc...

They all seem to "require" the same thing for MP3s, a license, so, since my game is to be a no-budget, (probably) non-commercial game, it doesn't make any sense for me to just burn $2500, and I got the idea to convert the files to .ogg.

If I do so, will I be infringing the MP3 license ?

If you convert the files to .ogg, no, you definitely won't be. Because they're no longer MP3s. You can decode them all you want at that point.

Thanks for the reply, that's exactly what I was thinking, but I posted here to make sure of it.

Now I notice that this thread is in "Your Announcements" when it should be in "The Business and Law of Game Development", I don't know if I posted it here by mistake, or a moderator moved it, but in any case it's in the wrong forum... reported.

What Dev-san said. Moved

Interesting topic from a sound guy's perspective. I'm involved in a project at the moment whereby we are using Unity Engine and we are allowed to use 5,000 mp3s before requiring a license - even with the free version of Unity. Interestingly though we can only use one compressed file at a time, strange limitation. With the ability to use 5,000 I will only use one in the end - the background music lol

I would stay away from MP3 and use Vorbis not only because of actual fees that you might have to pay (which are quite outrageous, too), but because someone might, even in locations where the patents are not valid, easily pull a Sisvel on you, which may be equally or even more detrimental.

For example, although software patents are not valid here in Naziland, this does not stop unlaw-enforcement agencies from seizing your equipment and holding it indefinitively "for evidence" if a [s]crime syndicate[/s] company successfully applies for an injunction on you. Which, for you, means no more and no less than you have no computer and all your data is gone for indefinite time.
It also means that half a dozen [s]criminals [/s]police open every drawer in your apartment, break your furniture and possessions, and steal anything that's small enough to fit in a pocket. You're lucky if they don't "find" drugs in your apartment. Plus, in case you actually get your stuff back (which involves paying a lawyer), chances are that unlaw-enforcement has installed a rootkit on your harddrive.

So all in all, when there exists an alternative that doesn't have any issues, why not just use it.