EU Software Patent Argument to Reopen?

Posted by Zonk on Tuesday January 17, 2006 @07:26AM from the more-debate-is-good-for-the-soul dept.

pryonic writes "The Register is reporting that the EU software debate may be reopened by the Internal Markets Commissioner Charlie McCreevy. He has unveiled a public consultation on 'future action in patent policy to create an EU-wide patent system can take account of stakeholders needs.'" More from the article: "Both individuals and businesses are invited to contribute to the consultation which will run until 31 March. In launching the initiative McCreevy said that the European Commission wants to make the single market for patents 'a reality.' He urged individuals and businesses to give their views on how that could be achieved." Groklaw has commentary on this development as well.

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Re:Surprise surprise. by tambo · 2006-01-17 07:37 · Score: 5, Informative

Look at the two major supporters for software patents...Microsoft and Sun.
You've forgotten about the biggest software patentee of them all. IBM's software patent practice just dwarfs those of Microsoft and Sun combined.
- David Stein

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Computer over. Virus = very yes.
Charlie McCreevy by easter1916 · 2006-01-17 07:39 · Score: 4, Informative

Background: McCreevy was previously Finance Minister in the Irish Government, but fell out of favour with his patrons for his arrogant ways, annoying manner, utter highhandedness and complete inability to listen to his constituents. He's an ardent free-marketeer / economic liberal. He's an annoying man.