Patenting software algorithms is exactly the same as patenting a truth.
e=mc^2 (actually it is e=m(naught)c^2)
1+1=2
Bubblesort: ------------------------------------------------ -- Description of the Bubble sort procedure that will lead to a sorted list for example ------------------------------------------------ --
All describe truths.
Imagine someone owning a patent to 1 + 1 = 2, or the e=mc^2 formula, or maybe to the fundamental theorem of calculus, or the bubble sort algorithm, and anyone using those "truths" would potentially owe royalties to the patent holders...
Just because you discover a fact of life or a truism of the universe before I do, does not give you the right to keep me from also discovering and using that truth.
For a real example: I resent the fact that RSA Data Security has a so called "patent" on the RSAREF algorithm library that is used in the PGP encryption software.
In fact I do NOT use the USA version of PGP (that is forced to use RSAREF) but instead the international version that contains a much better reimplementation of rsaref, and using the other library means I am breaking the law... because it does not have a license to use the 'RSAREF' algorithm... even though it is a total reimplementation, using NO original code from RSAREF!
HEH, but RSA can BITE ME!:P
I want to use the best product, and the international verion of PGP uses the *better* implementation of rsaref... w/o RSA's permission to do so... and I use it too... w/o their permission... because it is better and it benefits the consumers when a better product appears and can compete with the other offereings on the "market".
PGPi is better than PGPus and therefore I use it.
I'm very very sorry Misters Rivist, Shamir, and Adelman!
Software patents are wrong! and hurt the economy, and the consumers.
Boy, I bet RSA wishes it was the first to have discovered sunlight... I bet they would have tried to patent that too.
I wonder if any men in black coats will be knocking on my door anytime soon now???
Or maybe RSA would like me to pay them backpay for the royalties? Sorry buddies.
An algorithm is a truth, a truism. It is something, that with enough thought, anyone can derive and discover, and therefore should not be restricted with a patent.
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I'd like one that says "Powered by Debian" too!
Anybody wanna make some... I'll buy!!!
Software patents are just plain wrong!
- -- - --
:P
It is unethical.
Patenting software algorithms is exactly the same as patenting a truth.
e=mc^2 (actually it is e=m(naught)c^2)
1+1=2
Bubblesort:
-----------------------------------------------
Description of the Bubble sort procedure that will
lead to a sorted list for example
-----------------------------------------------
All describe truths.
Imagine someone owning a patent to 1 + 1 = 2, or the e=mc^2 formula, or maybe to the fundamental theorem of calculus, or the bubble sort algorithm,
and anyone using those "truths" would potentially owe royalties to the patent holders...
Just because you discover a fact of life or a truism of the universe before I do, does not give you the right to keep me from also discovering and using that truth.
For a real example: I resent the fact that RSA Data Security has a so called "patent" on the RSAREF algorithm library that is used in the PGP encryption software.
In fact I do NOT use the USA version of PGP (that is forced to use RSAREF) but instead the international version that contains a much better reimplementation of rsaref, and using the other library means I am breaking the law... because it does not have a license to use the 'RSAREF' algorithm... even though it is a total reimplementation, using NO original code from RSAREF!
HEH, but RSA can BITE ME!
I want to use the best product, and the international verion of PGP uses the *better* implementation of rsaref... w/o RSA's permission to do so... and I use it too... w/o their permission... because it is better and it benefits the consumers when a better product appears and can compete with the other offereings on the "market".
PGPi is better than PGPus and therefore I use it.
I'm very very sorry Misters Rivist, Shamir, and Adelman!
Software patents are wrong! and hurt the economy, and the consumers.
Boy, I bet RSA wishes it was the first to have discovered sunlight... I bet they would have tried to patent that too.
I wonder if any men in black coats will be knocking on my door anytime soon now???
Or maybe RSA would like me to pay them backpay for the royalties? Sorry buddies.
An algorithm is a truth, a truism. It is something, that with enough thought, anyone can derive and discover, and therefore should not be restricted with a patent.
R. Brock Lynn