Recipient of First Software Patent Defends Them

Arguendo writes "Martin Goetz, who obtained the first software patent in 1968, has penned a thoughtful defense of software patents for Patently-O. Goetz argues that there is no principled difference between software and hardware patents and that truly patentable software innovations require just as much ingenuity and advancement as any other kind of patentable subject matter. The Supreme Court is of course currently considering whether to change the scope of patentable subject matter in the Bilski case, which we've discussed before." Does it weaken Goetz's argument that his description of the software lifecycle harks back to the waterfall days and bears little resemblance to current development practice in open source and/or Internet contexts?

Comments

That's "guy's"

[Anonymous Coward]

What's happening to the world. So many illiterate people around these days.

Re:Patents aren't the problem

[Anonymous Coward]

They were always used to beat down competition, in fact that's the whole reason behind patents (to publish the invention and to give the inventor the means to exploit it commercially in a "safe" way). Thing is, development goes faster and faster, and everything which hinders this will sooner or later become obsolete(d).

Re:Patents are the problem

[falconwolf]

our whole patent system in the U.S. should be completely dismantled.

Many economists and I agree. Patents have a negative impact on the economy.

Falcon