Venezuela - and possibly Denmark - file appeals of OOXML

This really can't come as much of a surprise, but the list of countries protesting the ISO approval of OOXML is getting longer. Venezuela's appeal has been accepted by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) but the jury is still out on Denmark.

Friday, the IEC said that May 29 was the deadline for filing appeals, since that is two months from the approval vote on March 29, PC World reports. On Friday, the IEC had recorded appeals from South Africa, Brazil and India. Today they're saying that Venezuela's appeal – file after May 29 -- will be allowed in.

[The appeal] was filed within the two months of the BRM [ballot resolution meeting] closing so that it is being accepted. (The BRM closed on 29 March 2008 so the interpretation is that the last calendar day of May is being applied)

Meanwhile, Computer Denmark reported (Danish) that Denmark had also filed an appeal but IEC spokesman Jon Buck said: "I have no confirmation of the Danish report and cannot comment further on that."

Next important date: June 6, when the Technical Management Board, which rules on appeals, will meet. A sign of the scope of the controversy: No BRM-approved standard has ever before been appealed.