Microsoft Calls For Patent Law Change

Elektroschock writes "According to an article of IDG/Infoworld Microsoft calls for a reform of the US patent system . Last month Microsoft Denmark started a backfiring PR campaign to influence the European debate in favour of software patents. Critics of Microsoft often claim that MS was behind the EU lobbying and wanted software patents to kill open source. While it is true that lobbying took place, persons deeply involved in the debate are more cautious to affirm real business interests of Microsoft. In a CeBIT debate today it was concluded that the MS monopoly would not exist with today's software patenting in place back in 1985. Some highly influential stakeholders with real business interests are often forgotten: patent professionals and the patent offices. What if there was no evil MS conspiracy behind all those patent plans? Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith is very concerned of submarine patents and patent trolls for Microsoft's business. He said patent reform should begin at home."

Comments

We Need A Microsoft Section

[Anonymous Coward]

Considering the number of Microsoft and Bill Gates stories that Slashdot posts, it's amazing they don't get their own section.

Look at BSD. Nobody reads that, yet they get their own.

And, btw, that Gates as Borg joke is so tired and old. It was never funny, it's time to use the real Microsoft icon. No other company gets such immature treatment from slashot other than Microsoft.

As Ash Said

[Ginnungagap42]

"It's a trick. Get an axe."