Microsoft seeks XML-related patents

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Software patents are bad!!!

I really don't care about Microsoft's monopoly or about Linux or open source in this particular debate. I care about the illegitimacy of software patents and the dampening affect they have on new software development.

This ability to patent an "idea" versus a "product" is totally foreign to me. How can you patent a thought? How can you patent a process? Software can, and should, be protected by copyright law.

If I developed a software package to accurately predict the future of the stock market, no one else should be able to simply copy the software for their own use. On the other hand, if someone else develops a package to do the same thing, writing their own code, that should be their privilege. If I were to patent the concept of software that predicts future stock market activity, then I am able to completely block out any others from writing their own packages. This is ridiculous.

Had software patents been around in the early days of personal computers, Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel would never have been developed. We would have been stuck with Visicalc or whatever may have pre-dated that. It was the ability to compete which allowed spreadsheets to progress from simple computerized versions of a columnar accounting pad to the powerful analysis tools that exist today.

The same can be said for word processing, database management and all other business packages. Just imagine what would happen in the gaming market if someone were to patent the concept of a "first person shooter" or "real-time strategy."

Software patents are a bad idea no matter how you feel about MS or Linux.

Posted by: vferrara   Posted on: 01/23/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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