Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Report Says Patents Threaten Software Innovation

Posted by michael on from the saying-the-obvious dept.

GORby_ writes "According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers, software patents are 'a particular threat to the European ICT Industry.' Quote from the report: 'There are particular threats to the European ICT industry such as the current discussion on the patent on software. The mild regime of IP protection in the past has led to a very innovative and competitive software industry with low entry barriers. A software patent, which serves to protect inventions of a non-technical nature, could kill the high innovation rate.' The full report (pdf) discusses Europe's ICT strategy."

5 of 274 comments (clear)

  1. Coral doesn't work... by doodlelogic · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here is the real link

  2. Deja vu... by mirko · · Score: 5, Informative

    It's not the first time we read such reports on slashdot...
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8...

    Now, with whatever threatens innovation, we guess if these reports were true, it should Darwinianly be extinct by now. :)

    --
    Trolling using another account since 2005.
  3. Now is the time by Sanity · · Score: 5, Informative
    Despite setbacks, those opposed to software patents in the EU have had a significant impact, successfully lobbying the European Parliament to reject software patents. Proponents of software patents, who like to dismiss opponents as "extremists", have even taken to flat out denials that they are pushing for a US-style patent system, even though this is precisely what they are seeking to achieve (simply ask them which of the 30,000 illegally granted EU software patents would not be permitted under their proposed language).

    There are two opportunities left. The Council of Ministers has already voted in favour of a pro-swpat text, but this has yet to be confirmed, and while uncommon, it is still possible for countries to change their vote. Given the extremely suspect way the original decision was reached (which would be scarily familiar to fans of "Yes Minister"), this could happen, but national governments must be lobbied, particularly the Netherlands and Germany.

    If this fails, then the European Parliament gets to amend the Council's text, however this is much more difficult than that first time around, and so all Europeans that care about this issue must lobby their MEPs to ensure that they vote in the correct way.

    We have made a difference, we can still make a difference, but only by engaging with the political process. If anyone would like to learn more, please visit the FFII website.

  4. Re:Who commisioned the report? by wa1ter · · Score: 5, Informative

    The dutch ministery of economic affairs.

    --
    Sig? What's this sig thing I hear people talking about?
  5. Software patents? No, thanks! by wikinerd · · Score: 5, Informative

    RMS gives very interesting and informative talks on software patents from time to time. Recently I went to such a speech and discovered how rewarding it can be for people who want to understand better the problem with patents. (I wrote some info on my blog). People who are interested on these subjects should have a look at FSF website.

    EU should never allow any kind of software patents. Such mistake would destroy the software economy and force small or mid-sized companies to spend more on legal costs rather than software research and development. Also, the patents will not protect small businesses from hungry MegaCorps (tm): These laws are made for MegaCorps, not for protecting innovation. Inventors and programmers do not want and do not need software patents; without public domain stuff you cannot build or invent something new.