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Freedom of Speech in Software

Posted by michael on from the if-only dept.

akpoff writes " I've been struggling with the question 'what's wrong with software patents' but haven't been able to find the right words. I was over at John Gilmore's website and found a link to John Salin's 'Freedom of Speech in Software' letter to the USPTO back in 1991! This is one of the best explanations I've seen. He reminds us that computer programs are essentially like literature or music -- they are expressions of ideas. Just because they run on a computer doesn't make them uniquely different from other creative mediums. We should think player piano (patentable) vs the music (copyrightable but not patentable) it plays. Europeans -- put this letter into the hands of your MEPs!"

5 of 250 comments (clear)

  1. Exclaim!!! by pueywei · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    What! it has been going on for so long???

  2. Re:Anyone else by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    No.

    Did any one read the parent's post as "I'm a fucking moron and this is all I have to say?"

  3. dlklskdlskd sdskadlk lk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    kldkslk
    <tt>dooksdlk</tt>
    <em>ddd</em>

  4. Re:I like touching kiddies by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    How did you make your e-mail address say "I'm going to kill you"? That is totally cool.

  5. YOU FAIL IT! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    At least, I think you failed it. I'm not quite sure what you were trying to do, though, so I can't say for sure.