Software Patents defeated in Europe

Excellent!

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

-- "it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward" snipped-for-privacy@interlog.com Info for manufacturers:

Don't you think many of them are on the wrong side and just didn't want to see as an alternate the 20 plus compromise modifications to try and fix the defective proposed software patent rules? So those people will be back and make trouble.

Ditto!. Still leaves the problem though, of those weak and greedy , lobby fodder, Council menmbers who instigated the original proposals. Would suggest strong doses of viewpoint rebalancing. (Preferably by insertion of a lead weight into an ear). regards john

Hello Spehro,

Yes, that is great. Now I just hope that they slow down in their zeal to issue directives. It's just one more bureaucracy that tends to get in the way. The world is getting sick and tired of having everything regulated, ROHS, WEEE and what not.

Regards, Joerg

Yes. This is trully wonderfull news. It has made my day!

I am surprised at the size of the majority though.

Kevin Aylward snipped-for-privacy@anasoft.co.uk

Given the EU's ability to c*ck things up it's astonishing.

I believe that the answer lies in the fact that the European

Graham

Yes. Possibly. Unfortunately.

Kevin Aylward snipped-for-privacy@anasoft.co.uk

Good news. And bad news.

A common position on software patents (all patent, actually) will reduce problems with IP crossing borders. The best policy on s/w patents would be to restrict them to the s/w (firmware) that is an integral component of a novel device.

The fear that I have (and maybe others in Europe do to) is that any move toward a common position on software patents will also be a move toward the US system. Worse yet, it will be a move toward Europe and the US honoring each others patents. Since the USPTO will grant a patent on practically anything, with no regards for prior art. Since Europe has been more restrained in its practice of issuing these 'garbage' patents, they will be at an extreme disadvantage.

Great news! A 95% majority.

Jeff

So, what's wrong with copyright ?

Patents are often issued on specious grounds that likely may inhibit use of what is in reality common or prior art.

You simply need a clever patent lawyer to claim 'ownership' of much that may have gone before without comment.

Graham

I believe that was the politics behind it, the supporters realised they could only get it through with the modifications. So they would rather reject it and start over with a new proposal later...

-Lasse

"Pressing F8 for this function in your country is illegal, please move to another country for this button to function "

martin