EU Software Patents Dead Again

Joe Blakesley writes "Heise is reporting (in German) that the JURI (legal division of the European Parliament who tend to be more pro-EPO) have voted to invoke Rule 55 for a total restart of the software patents process (going back through the anti-swpat Parliament with a totally new directive) following attempts by the EC to get their directive through by the back door. This is an important victory for democracy and it means we can no longer say that the JURI is out. Also see Groklaw's story."

Comments

Intelectual PRIZE.

[TapeCutter]

I think non-transferable patents would be an excellent idea. Software is more suited to copyright.

Why does everyone have to pay homage to the creator. If it's for private use then why the hell do I have to pay somebody? If I put together a lawn mower from parts I find at the tip and donate it to charity I'm a hero. Why can't I create something for my own amusement from software/music/dvd's and share it (or gasp the original) with everyone on the planet who is "wired"?

What would be fair and reasonable compensation would be a mandated gratuity based on the profit a copycat has earned. Not forgeting to keep and even refine "fair use". You would also still have the opportunity to negotiate directly with the creator for bulk licenses. You would not be responsible for any dues incured before a judgement was made against you in the "small claims court". For added kick to deliberate abuse the judgement could come with an IP audit attached. If the 'P' in IP signified "prize" rather than "property" then a free speach, cheap access, internet would have a chance to live up to the Guttenberg V2 tag.