[Patents] Re: Solving the Real Problem.

[Nick Fleming marmalade@x-stream.co.uk]

Ok, the button idea is good, but lets not get sidetracked.
Software patents have already been granted in the US and Japan
and unless *we* (the European nations) can convince those that
make the decisions that software patents are absolutely unworkable
and impossible, we will get them sooner or later. It is not enough
simply to delay matters for a while. Unless *someone*
can come up with a concrete (and legally solid) reason for not
allowing them and convince the people that make the decisions of this
then everyone except Microsoft and IBM will lose.
I've so far managed to get a response from just 2 (UK) MPs who
have said 'I think you have the wrong person' and 'thankyou for letting
me know'.  I'll keep at it though and let you know if any of them show
any real interest. Now..where's the email addresses for the rest of em....

Finally, Am I right in that the TRIPS agreement does NOT acutally insist
on harmonisation of patents, but only on copyright ? I mention this
as  I was reading the transcripts of last years UK conference on software
patents and I could not help feeling that some of the speakers were
misquoting
the agreement for their own ends, especially the IBM representative who's
thinly veiled threat to take business elsewhere didn't go unoticed. Unlike
the
biochemistry industry, I do not think large corporations will shy away from
Europe and invest overseas as there is just too much business / money to
be made. If IBM does go, it will simply mean more trade and business for
everyone else.

Can someone mail me a copy of the UK  'green paper' on this please as I
can't
seem to find it. cheers.