Has the patent law changed?

[Jackelope]

I've been rather interested in information law the last few years, and recently ran across this on the Linux Mint website:

"Light Edition
This edition aims to provide the same features as the Main
Edition without including proprietary software, patented
technologies or support for restricted formats. If you're a
magazine, a reseller or a distributor in Japan or in the USA then
choose this edition." (emphasis mine)

The light edition is the version of Linux Mint without proprietary software, which is why they recommend it for redistribution (magazines and resellers). I thought it was illegal for anyone at all to download the full version of Linux Mint (or any other distro with codecs and other quasi-illegal stuff included) in the USA, but this quote seems to indicate its only illegal for me to distribute it. I'm curious if the American/Japanese laws have been clarified recently, and if so, could Ubuntu start including this stuff without legal worry? Thanks.

[zmjjmz]

Where's Linux Mint located?
I know that Canonical is located under UK law, so the patent stuff still applies I think.
Maybe.

[handy]

Sabayon installations warn people that proprietary software will be installed & instruct on how to avoid this in the instance that it is against your countries laws.