ENN Blog: Patently ridiculous
30-06-2005
by Ralph Averbuch

MEPs will vote on the directive to introduce software patents in the controversial computer-implemented inventions directive in Strasbourg next week.

"Software is developed, not invented. It is a process that builds on previous advances and developments. It would be paralysed by the introduction of a system of patents. Inventions can and should be protected by patents, as the time-limited monopoly grants their developers an opportunity to recuperate their investment costs. But software patents will drive small developers either out of business or into a situation where, unable to pay the costs of patent lawyers, they will have no option but to sell up to the people suing them. This potential for market domination is the reason why most lobbying firms in Brussels are currently working flat out on behalf of big software companies to win a favourable vote."

Those are the words of MEP Eva Lichtenberger, speaking about the attempt by the European parliament to introduce software patents. If you agree with her views then now is the time to do something about it and add your name to those who think that such a move would bode ill for the future of developers everywhere.

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