The Economist Contrasts American, European Patent Approaches

fiannaFailMan writes "The Economist has summarised recent developents in software patents and contrasts the American and European approaches. 'The European Commission wants to avoid the American situation, in which case law drives authorities to issue computer-related patents all too easily, in particular for business methods and algorithms.'"

Comments

Re:On the other side of the pond

[slipgun]

Stupid patent/copyright laws, the department of homeland security, total^H^H^H^H^H terrorist information awareness, patriot act, patriot act II, and cute girls with British accents made me move to London.

There is a lot of authoritarian crap going on in America at the moment I agree, but have you any idea how much power the authorities here (UK) have? Under the Terrorism Act 2000 the Police are allowed to break up a meeting of three or more people without *any* sort of court order if they believe it is for terrorist purposes. There are cameras everywhere. The authorities (Police, Customs, Inland Revenue and a few others) can see who you've been emailing without a court order (RIP Act 2000). There's talk of introducing a compulsory ID card (smuggled in through the back door as an 'entitlement card'). I hope you don't drive or smoke, because you'll pay through the nose for it (unless you bring it in from abroad). But this is turning into a rant, so I'll stop now. And yes, I like our girls very much as well.