From steve.probert@patent.gov.uk Mon, 26 Jun 2000 09:27:21 +0100
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2000 09:27:21 +0100
From: Steve Probert steve.probert@patent.gov.uk
Subject: [Patents] Press release about the BT patent on hyperlinks.
 -Reply-Reply -Reply

>if it is not a computer program as such, then that means I can not
>possibly infringe on the patent by merely distributing a computer
>program, right?
>
>-phm

In this case, because of the way the invention is claimed, it is unlikely
that merely distributing a computer program would be a direct
infringement.  However, if the computer program has the potential to
cause a technical effect when loaded onto a computer, and, more
specifically, if the technical effect is the same as that claimed in the
patent, then there could well be an infringement further down the line
when the program is loaded onto a computer and run.
Consequently, I guess this could be an instance of contributory
infringement, (Sect 60(2) of the UK 1977 Act), but this is outside my area
of competence!

(Of course all this is academic in terms of the UK as the patent has
already expired here.)

Steve Probert




