Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Reforming Software Patents with 'Marking'

Posted by timothy on from the no-trespassing-vs.-invisible-fence dept.

sakul writes "Came across an article in the Stanford Law Journal that proposes 'marking' patented software to make the patents obvious to the public and to force large companies patenting software "to play by the same rules as holders of other kinds of patents." Interesting but technical read. Could this be a solution to some of the ever growing problems with software patents?" (Stephen Lindholm, the author of the paper, has provided a link to the paper itself, as well.) On the same topic, karvind writes "Gavin Hill, a film graduate, has produced and directed an interesting animated film on How Software Patents Actually Work. It's explaining the dangers of software patents and how they affect you and your business."

3 of 175 comments (clear)

  1. This has worked for thousands of years by nizo · · Score: 4, Funny
    ...the Stanford Law Journal that proposes 'marking' patented software...

    I figure if dogs can use this method to demarcate their territory, why can't people? So now the question is, will Bill Gates mark each package himself, or will Balmer get to do it too? It seems like this job would be way more than any single person can handle.

    --
    I Am My Own Worst Enemy
  2. Obligatory.... by Weaselmancer · · Score: 4, Funny

    "This paper starts from the proposition that software patents are, practically speaking, hidden away in the recesses of the patent office and practically impossible to find.

    I don't see the problem. They're clearly marked in the basement, right by the sign that says "Beware of the Leopard."

    --
    Weaselmancer
    rediculous.
  3. Re:Adobe Patents listed in about box. by null+etc. · · Score: 4, Funny
    They need to take this one step further:

    "You've just used Adobe's U.S. Patent #5,185,818! Please remember, if you see this feature in another software package and are the first to report it to Adobe, you will receive a free copy of Photoshop CS 10!"
    and

    "Have a good day! You've used 278 of our patents 9,386 times today. Thank you for helping us bankroll our Intellectual Property lawyers. Our ability to innovate is directly dependant upon our ability to patent and sue. Also, if you're the owner of a Nikon DX5000 camera, please remember to call Nikon USA and demand they open up their proprietary RAW format!"

    and finally

    "Thank you for registering your Adobe product. Remember, only communists don't like patents!"