EU to Redefine Scope of Software Patents

karvind writes "According to story on ZDNet, the European Parliament (EP) has enlisted the help of intellectual property lawyers to amend the directive on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions so that companies are prevented from patenting pure software. According to article: "The ongoing argument over patents in the software industry revolves around the distinction between physical inventions that use software -- such as a car braking system -- and pure software." (See also this earlier story about the EU and software patents.)"

Comments

Re:It's

[Kinky Bass Junk]

Here's me thinking it was about software patents...

And the reason they're able to do this:

[oneandoneis2]

According to the Register:

In normal circumstances, parliament would be restricted to introducing changes it proposed during the first reading. However, because the readings have crossed two presidencies, this requirement has been waived.

Finally, something helpful in the EU beaurocracy :)

This is stupid

[gowen]

Everyone knows that patents encourage innovation, and that without patents, no one will have a financial interest in inventing new things, and so everyone will find other jobs.

Lack of patents and copyright is the primary reason why absolutely nothing was invented prior to the mid-19th century.

Looks like it's chicken for dinner.

[nmos]

In other news the farmer has just enlisted the help of a pack of wolves to enhance the security of his chicken coup. Film at 11.

Re:It's

[Anonymous Coward]

he car breaking system

I've got one of those. I call her my wife :)

Re:It's

[Anonymous Coward]

What's a normal computer?

My PC? What makes it different from my PDA? So is my PDA a normal computer? What makes it different from the dash computer embedded in my car? And what makes that different from the computer that controls the car brakes?

Well, given that usage defines function... I propose that a "normal computer" be defined as

"any electronic device containing a microprocessor, some form of writable memory, a mass storage device and capable of displaying hardcore pornography."

Re:It's

[Anonymous Coward]

No, she's in the public domain.

Re:Please RTFA !

[dangitman]

Patenting a software controlled system that influences the physical world, like an alram panel, or a mechanism to open/close a garage door with software somehow *is* allowed.

Microsoft Word 2006: Now comes with free garage door and opening software.

What about genomic patents?

[WillAffleckUW]

I claim prior art - in my own cells.

All your proteins are belong to me.