[Patents] source vs binary.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Jean-Jacques de Jong <jjdj@free.fr>


>You must distinguish between source code and binary code. Distribution
>of binary code clearly falls within the scope of a patent, even in
>Europe. The question is what happens with the distribution of source
>code.
> 


Why should there be a distinction between binary and source ?
Many languages are interpreted rather than compiled, and
modern executables usually contain enough debugging information
to be viewed + understood (if not completely)  with a dissassembler.

I personally think that thinking behind different 'forms' of software is
flawed - and is a mistake I made when I first started thinking about
patents. For example, I can create GIF's by hand, using pen and
paper, or use a program to do it for me. Software therefore, must be
an expression of an idea, (and covered by copyright) rather than
an invention in its own right.