[Patents] Re: [Patents] Re: Freepatent

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

----- Original Message ----- 
From: gepicaam <gepicaam@cybercable.fr>
To: PILCH Hartmut <phm@a2e.de>
Cc: <patents@liberte.aful.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2000 8:29 PM
Subject: [Patents] Re: Freepatent


 
> I'm an information technology journalist interested in Internet
> business. In my feeling, many start-up companies don't agree with your
> position against IP and patent. Must of them file patents in order to
> secure their business.
> 
> Best regards
> 
> R. Gepicaam
> 

Sigh.. the problem with software patents - as they stand, unlike usual 
patents,
is that they are far more restrictive and do more harm than good for genuine
development of the industry. Small businesses do NOT benefit as large
multinationals can patent THOUSANDS of cross-referenced software patents
that can stop startups in their tracks. Over time, this benefits us all, but 
in the
short term it is damaging to many industries all at the same time, for the 
benefit
of a handful of companies. I am not against patents per se, just software ones
which are according to my own experience, work against free enterprise rather
than for it.The problem is compounded by the fact that software also covers
copyrighted material, so even if a patent is granted, usage can be restricted 
well
over the 20 year period.  etc. The fact that only a few companies have the
resources to work under these conditions only serves to make things harder for
startups - especially those without lots of venture capital.

Regards,

Nick. F.