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Re: Software patents
This is a topic which in my opinion will for a long time spark very serious debate. I tend to agree that the immense proliferation of software patents has the potential to bring the world as we know it to its knees. Serious strides have been made in sofware innovation over the past few decades, this however is being hampered by the fact that a "budding" software architect is being hamstringed by developments within large corporations/'development teams', which may lead to said architect being challenged on the basis of patents which are unknown to him/her. This leads IMHO to larger "teams" (or a person with a string of patents) having the power to basically stifle the efforts of "budding" deveopers. In other words, the individual software architect may have an excellent idea for implementation, however he/she may not bother with the attempt and subsequently only produce run-of-the-mill works, or no works at all based on the fear that his/her innovation may be taken away on the basis of patent(s) held by third parties. This I think is aided and abbetted by the proliferation of the internet (less actual brainwork done by a lot of individuals ... google it), which exacerbates the tendencies of us humans to (in general) want to be spoonfed.
Now I am not advocating a free-for-all on patents/technologies, however I think a new (maybe radical) approach has to be taken in current patent practices/policies.

Any suggestions ?
Posted by: IanX   Posted on: 07/29/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Re: Software patents  IanX | 07/29/05
Re- Sotfware patents  IanX | 07/29/05
The US acts as a Banana Republic..  Francisco Reis | 07/30/05
What's the cost for European patents?  __howard__ | 07/30/05
Cost differences between the US and Europe  Francisco Reis | 07/30/05
Sounds like congress should look at EPO for USPTO reforms  __howard__ | 07/30/05
What about a World Patent Office...  Francisco Reis | 07/30/05
World Patent Office would be political  __howard__ | 07/30/05
Real research like RSA should be patentable  __howard__ | 07/30/05
Software Patents  SamBirnbaum | 07/30/05
Software given to customers can not be protected by trade secret  __howard__ | 07/30/05
I suppose DRM could protect trade secrets  __howard__ | 07/30/05
Completely, BOGUS claim  No_Ax_to_Grind | 07/30/05
You're right, but there is a problem.  __howard__ | 07/30/05
I'll go you one better.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 07/30/05
Re: I'll go you one better.  none none | 07/31/05
Tossing the baby with the bath water  __howard__ | 07/31/05
Defining the obvious.  Anton Philidor | 08/01/05
Re: Defining the obvious.  none none | 08/01/05
Escaping the inescapable.  Anton Philidor | 08/01/05
No thanks, that kills the little guy.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 08/01/05
Re: No thanks, that kills the little guy.  none none | 08/01/05
How would that "kill" the little guy?  IT_User | 08/17/05
Won't solve the problem  IT_User | 08/17/05
I disagree..  Patrick Jones | 08/01/05
dual view monitor  theraven_z | 08/01/05
You've had two monitors in one?  Patrick Jones | 08/01/05
Evolution, not revolution.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 08/01/05
Evolution and innovation are opposites  Patrick Jones | 08/01/05
Patents for evolution?  IT_User | 08/17/05
why shouldn't you be able to make money from something obvious?  pesky_z | 07/30/05
Interesting idea ...  __howard__ | 07/30/05
Patent attorney employment.  Anton Philidor | 08/01/05
Not "unique enough"?  Haterock Davidsfather | 07/30/05
Heh, nice point  Zonker_z ZDNet Moderator | 07/30/05
Ideas in the air.  Anton Philidor | 08/01/05

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